Ostfront medal, original or fake?

[Gabe]

Dear Members!

I would like to ask some help in connection with this medal.
According to the seller, it was found in Hungary, near Budapest...
What do You think, is it an original or a fake one?
The sword looks a bit strange for me...unfortunately I got just these pictures...


Thank You!
Regards
Gabe

[Gunny Hartmann]

I'd say good but pretty corroded, ground dug?...

[Gabe]

Yes, it is definitely a ground dug one. It was found where the German and Hungarian soldiers broke out from the city in February 1945.

[VonRiver]

IMO:
I do not believe in gound dug medals, because they were not used on the battlefield, only the ribbons on the clothing and war badges were used.
Might be assigned in the battle zone...
(but I can not claim that is one is a original)

[harryamb2]

for a definite answer it needs a clean up.but looks ok.

[Steinar]

Hello,
in any case they must be cleaned before you can make a 100% statement.
But at first sight it looks original.
If it has been cleaned, must in any case detail images with top view ago.

[Adrian]

IMO:
I do not believe in gound dug medals, because they were not used on the battlefield, only the ribbons on the clothing and war badges were used.
Might be assigned in the battle zone...
(but I can not claim that is one is a original)

Ground dug medals are possible. They were awarded in the field and there are many scenarios where a medal that wasn't worn could be retrieved from the ground. Perhaps fell from a pocket, abandoned with the individual's belongings when over run from a position, maybe buried in the stores before it was ever awarded...... many, many possibilities.