Interesting German insignia.

**ggent001** · 09-28-2009, 06:05 PM

Hello. My grandfather served with the 8th infantry division, 13th infantry regiment in ww2. I have recently begun trying to trace his steps through Europe and to find answers about some of the things that he brought back with him. I found this badge??(it doesn't have a pin) very interesting, but cannot figure out what the heck it is. The badge has what I guess are some depictions of the city of Duren, Germany. Underneath the depiction it reads: "Ewaldus Schutzengilde Duren" and shows the dates 1560-1935. It is about 2 or three inches in size.I know that my grandfather's outfit cleaned out this city after it was bombed by the allies. I am wondering what the significance of this badge might be, and why he brought it home. I would be thankful for any help in figuring out what it is. I will try to attach the picture. thank you,
Geoff

**Espenlaub Militaria** · 09-28-2009 06:05 PM

We also buy and trade your items and full collections!

**stuka f** · 09-28-2009, 06:43 PM

hello ggent001, welcome to the forum.
I am afraid thise badge is not that intresting, it is just a badge of the anniverssary of a shooters association, but that can be riffle, guns or bows. Those a pretty commoun in North Europe.

**big ned** · 09-28-2009, 06:46 PM

Hi Geoff,

A 'Schutzengilde' is an old German tradition of a guild of archers.Many towns and cities would have their own guild.

This tradition is still carried on to this day, and much of the purpose of the guilds besides socialising, is charity fund raising, similar to the 'Round table' in the U.K.

I understand that marksmanship plays a part in these clubs and many shooting matches are performed with air rifles these days, rather than with bows and arrows.

Regards, Ned.

**ggent001** · 09-28-2009, 07:21 PM

Thank you for the information. I was just curious as to what it was. I am pretty sure that it was brought home as a souvenier from Duren after the war.