Germany, Third Reich; Italy, Kingdom. A Mixed Lot of Awards

(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 raised Maltese Cross with pebbled arms and a central wreathed mobile swastika, the reverse bearing a raised inscription of “FÜR KRIEGSVERDIENST 1939” (“FOR WAR MERIT 1939”), unmarked, measuring 32.16 mm in diameter, weighing 12.6 grams, in near mint condition.

2. A Sudetenland Medal, constructed of bronze, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon with horizontal pinback, the obverse bearing two raised figures, one of which is clutching a flag and the other a length of broken chain, above a German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, the reverse bearing a central raised date of “1. OKTOBER 1938”, circumscribed by an inscription of “EIN VOLK, EIN REICH, EIN FÜHRER” (“ONE PEOPLE, ONE NATION, ONE LEADER”), unmarked, measuring 32.00 mm in diameter, weighing 15.0 grams (inclusive of ribbon), in near extremely fine condition.

3. An HJ Proficiency Badge, Black Grade, constructed of blackened zink, the obverse consisting of a Tyr rune, overlaid by a central mobile swastika, circumscribed by an inscription of “FÜR LEISTUNGEN IN DER H.J.” (“FOR PROFICIENCY IN THE H.J.”), the reverse with a vertical pinback, bearing a letter “B” indicating a replacement piece, marked with an illegible Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) logo and maker code, measuring 29.53 mm (w) x 50.96 mm (h), weighing 14.6 grams, demonstrating significant oxidation throughout with evidence of re-finishing, in fair condition.

4. An Italian Russian Expedition Commemorative Cross, constructed of silvered bronze with enamels, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée, the obverse with white enameled arms set within a ribbed border, the reverse bearing central engraved initials “C.S.I.R” (Corpo di Spedizione Italiano in Russia/Italian Expeditionary Corps in Russia), the arms engraved with the locations of key battles involving Italian forces on the Eastern Front, unmarked, measuring 42.56 mm (w) x 47.56 mm (h), weighing 17.0 grams (inclusive of ribbon), demonstrating minor scratching and bubbling of the enamels with some loss of finish to the base metal, in nar extremely fine condition.