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German National Prize for Art and Science
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The German National Prize for Art and Science (German: Ehrenzeichen des Deutschen Nationalpreises für Kunst und Wissenschaft) was an award created by Adolf Hitler in 1937 as a replacement for the Nobel Prize (he had forbidden Germans to accept the latter award in 1936 after an anti-Nazi German writer, Carl von Ossietzky, was awarded the 1935 Nobel Peace Prize). The award was designed by Müller-Erfurt and created in the form of a pendant studded with diamonds. In fact, it was so heavy that a special mount had to be created so that it would stay on the wearer's jacket. An extremely ornate presentation box contained the pendant and a wide red and white sash also complemented the award.
There was an image of Goethe on the obverse of the prize medal and the lettering: FÜR KUNST UND WISSENSCHAFT (For art and science) was emblazoned on the medal as well. In addition to the medal and award sash, a cash prize of 100,000 Reichsmark was also given. Recipients included Fritz Todt, Ferdinand Porsche, Willy Messerschmitt, Wilhelm Filchner, August Bier, Ernst Heinkel, Alfred Rosenberg, Ferdinand Sauerbruch, and Paul Troost.
The total number of National Prizes awarded between 1937 and 1939 was nine, thus making this award one of the rarest awards given in the Third Reich, even rarer than the German Order.