Germany, Third Reich. A Mixed Lot of Decorations

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

1. A War Merit Cross II Class, constructed of bronze, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, consisting of a Maltese Cross with pebbled arms, the obverse bearing a central wreathed mobile swastika, the reverse bearing a central wreathed date of “1939”, unmarked, measuring 48.84 mm (w) x 48.67 mm (h), weighing 17.2 grams, accompanied by its original package of issue, constructed of light brown paper stock, the exterior bearing an inscription of “KRIEGSVERDIENSTKREUZ 2. KLASSE OHNE SCHWERTER”, measuring 104 mm (w) x 130 mm (h) and retaining an original paper liner, in extremely fine condition.

2. 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 Stahlhelm and stick grenade, maker marked with Präsidialkanzlei code “20” for C.F. ZImmermann, Pforzheim, measuring 36.03 mm (w) x 44.35 mm (h), weighing 19.2 grams, accompanied by a maker mis-matched package of issue, constructed of beige paper stock, the exterior bearing an inscription of “MEDAILLE ‘WINTERSCHLACHT IM OSTEN 1941/42’ (OSTMEDAILLE)”, measuring 60 mm (w) x 95 mm (h), demonstrating near-total loss of finish to the award, in very fine condition.

3. A West Wall Medal, constructed of bronze, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, consisting of an oval oak leaf wreath, joined together at the top and bottom by ribbon, the obverse bearing a raised pillboxed topped by a crossed sword and shovel and a German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, the reverse bearing a raised inscription of “FÜR ARBEIT ZUM SCHUTZE DEUTSCHLANDS” (“FOR WORK IN THE PROTECTION OF GERMANY”), unmarked, measuring 35.53 mm (w) x 46.67 mm (h), weighing 19.3 grams, accompanied by a period package of issue, constructed of light brown paper stock, the exterior pasted with a label bearing an inscription of “DEUTSCHES SCHUTZWALL-EHRENZEICHEN” over top of an inscription for an Eastern Front Medal, also maker marked “FRIEDRICH ORTH, WIEN”, measuring 60 mm (w) x 105 mm (h), in near extremely 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, bearing a central white enameled disc, overlaid by 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 36.22 mm (w) x 45.73 mm (h), weighing 15.5 grams (inclusive of ribbon), accompanied by its original package of issue, constructed of light blue paper stock, the exterior bearing an inscription of “EHRENKREUZ DER DEUTSCHEN MUTTER ZWEITE STUFE” (“HONOUR CROSS OF THE GERMAN MOTHER SECOND GRADE”) and a maker’s mark of “J.E. HAMMER & SÖHNE, GERINGSWALDE, measuring 104 mm (w) x 130 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.