German WWII Luftwaffe 4 Year Long Service Award

German WWII Luftwaffe 4 Year Long Service Award-This is a handsome example that is complete with the short piece of cornflower blue ribbon that is stylized on a parade mount. It is complete with an early stylized Luftwaffe eagle cypher in silver. The cypher retains the majority of its silver finish.  The ribbon color is muted from age, and the silver finish on the medal is intact. Very good example.  History: In March of ‘36 Hitler ordered the institution of a service award in four classes, each class reflecting the completion of a select number of years of military service.  The award was bestowed by each branch of the Wehrmacht (army, navy, and air force) and was issued for four years’ service (fourth class-silver medal), 12 years (third class-gold medal), 18 years (2nd Class-silver cross), 25 years (first class-gold cross), and 40 years (special class). The 40-year special class was introduced on 10 March 1939.