Germany, Wehrmacht. 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 central inscription of “FÜR KRIEGSVERDIENST 1939” (“FOR WAR MERIT 1939”), unmarked, measuring 32.37 mm in diameter, weighing 12.8 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 central wreathed mobile swastika, the reverse bearing a central wreathed date of “1939”, unmarked, measuring 47.81 mm (w) x 48.32 mm (h), weighing 18.5 grams, in near extremely fine condition.

3. An Eastern Front Medal, constructed of silvered and patinated zink, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, the obverse bearing a raised 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 Stahlhem and stick grenade, the suspension loop maker marked with Präsidialkanzlei code “25” for Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Graveur-, Gold-, und Silberschmiedeinnungen, Hanau, measuring 35.30 mm (w) x 44.22 mm (h), weighing 18.8 grams, accompanied by a period but mis-matched package of issue, constructed of brown paper stock, the exterior bearing a maker’s mark of “J.E. HAMMER & SÖHNE, GERINGSWALDE, measuring 60 mm (w) x 115 mm (h), a rare example of a zink award retaining virtually all of its original finish, in extremely fine condition.

4. A West Wall Medal, constructed of bronzed zink, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, consisting of a double-sided oval oak leaf wreath, joined together at the top and bottom by ribbon, the obverse bearing a raised pillbox topped by a crossed sword and shovel and German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, the reverse bearing an inscription of “FÜR ARBEIT ZUM SCHÜTZE DEUTSCHLANDS” (“FOR WORK IN THE PROTECTION OF GERMANY”), unmarked, measuring 33.23 mm (w) x 45.52 mm (h), weighing 13.1 grams, accompanied by its original package of issue, constructed of beige paper stock, the exterior bearing a maker’s mark of “CARL POELLATH, SCHROBENHAUSEN”, measuring 60 mm (w) x 105 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

5. A Civil Service 25-Year Faithful Service Award, constructed of silvered bronze, on loop for suspension from a period replacement ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée with pebbled arms joined through the quadrants by a circular oak leaf wreath, the obverse bearing a central black enameled swastika, the reverse bearing a central inscription of “FÜR TREUE DIENSTE” (“FOR FAITHFUL SERVICE”), unmarked, measuring 42.09 mm (w) x 46.56 mm (h), weighing 21.0 grams, in extremely fine condition.