Germany, Third Reich. A German Olympic Decoration, Ii Class With Case And Miniature, To Ernst James Henry Holt, Cmg Cbe

(Olympia Ehrenzeichen 1936 II. Klasse mit Miniatur und Etui). Instituted 4 February 1936. (1936-1937 issue). Constructed of gilded bronze with enamels, the obverse consisting of a gilded and ribbed five-pointed star, in turn overlaid by a white enameled five-pointed star, bearing raised and white enameled Olympic rings, topped by a white enameled German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, with feathering and details highlighted in gilt, topped by an integral loop retaining a period original ribbon with a horizontal pinback, the reverse with two visible rivets securing the obverse rings in place, unmarked, measuring 54.12 mm (w) x 65.27 mm (h), weighing 34.1 grams (inclusive of ribbon), accompanied by a matching miniature, of identical appearance and composition, unmarked, measuring 19.39 mm (w) x 23.67 mm (h), weighing 3.2 grams (inclusive of ribbon), both secreted within an original presentation case, constructed of a light wooden frame with a faux white leather exterior liner, the lid bearing embossed and gilded Olympic rings and trimmed with a border of identical execution, the interior with a beige satin lid liner, with a slotted slate-grey velvet medal bed, closing with a functional metal spring catch with exterior stud release, unmarked, measuring 72 mm (w) x 128 mm (l) x 28 mm (h), the decoration demonstrates minor flecking to the enamels, with flecking and loss of gilt finish visible to the miniature, and with minor material fatigue evident to the case, an attributed and matching set in overall near extremely fine condition.

Footnote: Ernst James Henry “Billy” Holt was born in 1883 and initially entered the world of athletics as a competitive sprinter with the South London Harriers. Upon retirement, he turned to sports officiation, and became treasurer of the Amateur Athletic Association, as well as Honorary Secretary of both the Amateur Athletic Board and Amateur Athletic Federation. Notably, he was involved in the planning and structuring of several Olympic Games, including Los Angeles 1932, Berlin 1936, before becoming the Director of Organisation for London 1948, and Technical Director of Melbourne 1956. For his services to sport, he was made a member of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1947, a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1953, as well as being made a Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George in 1957. He died in 1972.