Offered here is an original period German NSDStB Studentweltspiele-Wien 1939 (International University Games) privately made enameled souvenir badge. Measuring 1 9/16" in diameter, the badge is made of two piece brass and nickel construction with a three tone fired enamel finish with inset eagle. The reverse shows three donut rivets holding the eagle in place, and is maker marked "Rus Schanes Wien", having a thin horizontal pin back. The badge shows light wear, some crazing of the enamel and nice patina. VG+

History of the Event

An International University Games (German: Studenten-Weltspiele) was held in Vienna, Austria on 20–27 August 1939, which had originally been scheduled as the official 1939 staging of the Summer International University Games awarded to Vienna by the Confederation Internationale des Etudiants (CIE) in January 1938, prior to Austria's absorption into Germany by the Anschluss. The National Socialist German Students' League (NSDStB) withdrew from the CIE in May 1939, and the CIE at short notice moved the 1939 International University Games to Monte Carlo.

The formal opening was by Bernhard Rust, the Reich Minister of Science, Education and Culture, on 20 August in the Prater Stadium, the main venue of the games. The NSDStB invited many nations to the Vienna games, but entrants were mostly from fascist associations in Axis powers. The following countries were reported to have participated in the games: Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Bulgaria, Estonia, Finland, Kingdom of Italy, Empire of Japan, Kingdom of Yugoslavia, Peru, Sweden, Slovak Republic, Spanish State, Union of South Africa, Kingdom of Hungary, German Reich.

A comprehinsive list of events and participants in the 1939 International University Games (Vienna) games can be found here.

Only the badge is being offered here. The postcards and placard are for historical reference only.