Expert: Dmitry Livshits - 11/13/2009

Question
I have come across a coin or medallion that has the writing on one side opperschiessen on the top and below has the writing 24.3.1935 (date of course). In the middle is a symbol of a bowl with flames coming out of it and below the bowl is the letters .W.H.W. (the dots are centered) I wast thinking probably symbolizing the olympic torch?). On the other sde is in the background, some industrail buildings with the sun risng above them but the sun is a swastika. In the foreground is an eagle standing over a rifle and the eagle is holding an olive branch in its claws. The wording inder the eagle is DEUTSCH DIESAAR. There are little dots running around the top 3/4 of the coin.
The coin is heavy and appears to be made of bronze or copper. There is a piece affixed to the top of the coin that is a loop to be worn as a necklace. The coin is in mint condition and has very good detail on both sides. Well struck coin. What is this and what is it worth?  Thanks

Answer
Hi again,
This is a "schutzenfest" medal, awarded for doing well in a local shooting competition in the Saar. There is a long tradition of shooting festivals and medals in Europe going back to the early days of firearms. The Berlin Olympics were held the year after, so this date represents the day of the shooting competition itself.
The letters W.H.W. stand for "Winter Hilfswerk" (Winter Relief Fund)
This was a campaign run every Fall collecting donations for German citizens too poor to afford warm food, clothing, etc. during the winter. Very similar to the Salvation Army.
It's likely the W.H.W. sponsored the event.
Value in excellent condition would be between $40 and $60 on the American market and $50 to $75 on the European market.
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Thanks again for the questions! =)