Germany, Third Reich. A Mixed Lot of Awards for Military and Civil Service

(Auszeichnungen). A mixed lot of awards, including:

1. A War Merit Medal, constructed of bronze, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, the obverse bearing a Maltese Cross with pebbled arms and a central wreathed mobile swastika, the reverse bearing an inscription of “FÜR KRIEGSVERDIENST 1939” (“FOR WAR MERIT 1939”), unmarked, measuring 32.13 mm in diameter, weighing 13.2 grams, in near mint condition. 

2. A War Merit Cross II Class with Swords, constructed of bronze, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, consisting of a Maltese Cross with pebbled arms and with crossed swords piercing the centrepiece, the obverse bearing a wreathed mobile swastika, the reverse bearing a wreathed date of “1939”, the suspension loop maker marked with Präsidialkanzlei code “18” for Karl Wurster, Markneukirchen, measuring 48.80 mm (w) x 49.42 mm (h), weighing 24.5 grams, in extremely fine condition.

3. An Eastern Front Medal, constructed of toned and silvered zink, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, the obverse bearing a Heer-style German national eagle clutching a swastika, the reverse bearing an inscription of “WINTERSCHLACHT IM OSTEN 1941/42” (“WINTER BATTLE IN THE EAST 1941/42”), above a crossed sword and laurel branch, topped by a Stahlhelm and stick grenade, the suspension loop maker marked with Präsidialkanzlei code “100” for Wächtler & Lange, Mittweida, measuring 35.78 mm (w) x 43.83 mm (h), weighing 19.8 grams, in very fine condition.

4. An Honour Cross of the German Mother, Silver Grade, constructed of silvered bronze with multi-coloured enamels, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, consisting of a Latin Cross with its arms joined through the quadrants by stylized rays, the obverse with blue and white enameled arms, with a central white enameled disc bearing a black swastika, circumscribed by an inscription of “DER DEUTSCHEN MUTTER” (“TO THE GERMAN MOTHER”), the reverse bearing an etched institution date of “16. DEZEMBER 1938” and a signature of the Führer, unmarked, measuring 34.82 mm (w) x 45.88 mm (h), weighing 13.4 grams, in near extremely fine condition.

5. A 1914 Iron Cross II Class, constructed of iron and silver, on loop for suspension from a Third Reich-period ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée with a blackened magnetic iron core within a ribbed silver frame, the obverse with a central initial “W”, the six o’clock arm with a reinstitution date of “1914”, the twelve o’clock arm with a royal crown, the reverse with three central oak leaves, the six o’clock arm with an initial institution date of “1813”, the twelve o’clock arm with initials “FW” topped by a royal crown, the suspension loop maker marked with the “KO” logo of a widely-documented but unidentified manufacturer, measuring 43.35 mm (w) x 48.47 mm (h), weighing 15.6 grams, in near extremely fine condition.