Germany, Wehrmacht. A Mixed Lot of Combat and Occupation Awards

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

1. A War Merit Cross II Class with Swords, constructed of bronzed zink, 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”, the suspension loop maker marked with Präsidialkanzlei code “100” for Wächtler & Lange, Mittweida, measuring 48.27 mm (w) x 51.05 mm (h), weighing 20.7 grams, accompanied by a mis-matched package of issue, constructed of light brown paper stock, the exterior bearing a maker’s mark of “FRANZ BREUNING, PFORZHEIM” for an uncommon manufacturer of this decoration, measuring 60 mm (w) x 105 mm (h), demonstrating moderate loss of bronze finish to the base metal, in overall better than very fine condition.

2. A 1939 Iron Cross II Class, constructed of iron and silver, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée with a blackened magnetic iron core within a ribbed silver frame, the obverse with a central mobile swastika, the six o’clock arm with a reinstitution date of “1939”, the reverse six o’clock arm with an initial institution date of “1813”, unmarked, measuring 44.31 mm (w) x 47.87 mm (h), weighing 19.3 grams, accompanied by its package of issue, constructed of slate-grey paper stock, the exterior bearing a maker’s mark of “ALOIS RETTENMAIER, SCHWAB. GMÜMND”, measuring 105 mm (w) x 130 mm (h), demonstrating a consistent patina throughout the frame of the cross, in near extremely fine condition.

3. An Anschluss Medal, constructed of silvered 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 date of “13. MÄRZ 1938”, circumscribed by an inscription of “EIN VOLK, EIN REICH, EIN FÜHRER” (“ONE PEOPLE, ONE NATION, ONE LEADER”), unmarked, measuring 31.98 mm in diameter, weighing 15.2 grams (inclusive of ribbon), in near extremely fine condition.

Footnote: These examples were retrieved by a United States serviceman in the field during the Second World War, and hail directly from his estate without previously being available on the collector market.