This is an absolutely original Third Reich period heavy 15-1/2 inch diameter convex enamel on steel sign provided for by order of the Reichsjägermeister under the law effective from 24 June 1937.

The sign is black on white enamel inside a 1-1/2 inch ring of sky blue enamel. The word WILDSCHUTZGEBIET means Wild Animal Protection Area, and the inscription ALS VERKEHRSWEG FREIGEGEBEN VOM 1. MAI - 30. SEPTEMBER VERLASSEN VERBOTEN! means that roads in the area were open for travel from 1 May until 30 September each year but no one was allowed to leave the roadway.

The law that provided for this sign and two others was published in the Nazi hunting magazine Der Deutsche Jäger of 5 November 1937 and is shown above. The sign was manufactured by Münchener Emaillier- & Stanzwerke and their name appears just above the bottom of the blue ring.

The sign was chipped along the edge in several places during its life and repaired by the application of a slightly lighter blue color. The principal chips at the edge of the vitreous enamel are shown in our picture at the top of this web page by red dots at the 2, 4, 7 and 11 o'clock positions. The area affected by chips is probably less than 3 or 4 percent of the sign's surface.

An outstanding original piece of Third Reich hunting history in nice condition. Perfect for any historical display, a hunting museum or in the forest behind your house.