Germany, Third Reich. A Mixed Lot of Awards and Insignia

(Auszeichnungen und Insignien). A mixed lot of awards and insignia, 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 32.18 mm in diameter, weighing 12.6 grams, in near mint condition.

2. A War Merit Cross II Class, constructed of bronze, 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”, the suspension loop maker marked with Präsidialkanzlei code “1” for Deschler & Sohn, Munich, measuring 48.82 mm (w) x 49.40 mm (h), weighing 18.6 grams, accompanied by its original package of issue, constructed of beige paper stock, the exterior bearing an inscription of “KRIEGSVERDIENSTKREUZ 2. KLASSE OHNE SCHWERTER” and a maker’s mark of “DESCHLER & SOHN, MÜNCHEN”, measuring 60 mm (w) x 105 mm (h) and retaining an original paper liner, the integral loop and suspension ring have broken off of the award but are retained along with its original ribbon, in very fine condition.

3. 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 date of “1. OKTOBER 1938”, circumscribed by an inscription of “EIN VOLK, EIN REICH, EIN FÜHRER” (“ONE PEOPLE, ONE NATION, ONE LEADER”), unmarked, measuring 32.10 mm in diameter, weighing 15.2 grams (inclusive of ribbon), in near extremely fine condition.

4. A Civil Service 25-Year Faithful Service Award, constructed of silvered bronze with enamels, 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 raised inscription of “FÜR TREUE DIENSTE” (“FOR FAITHFUL SERVICE”), unmarked, measuring 42.21 mm (w) x 46.79 mm (h), weighing 21.1 grams, in near mint condition.

5. 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 a raised 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 36.95 mm (w) x 46.01 mm (h), weighing 14.8 grams (inclusive of ribbon), demonstrating minor flecking and loss of finish to the enamels and base metal, respectively, in near extremely fine condition.

6. A Heer transitionary belt buckle, constructed of nickel-silver, the obverse bearing a central raised Reichswehr-style German national eagle, situated within a ribbed ring bearing an inscription of “GOTT MIT UNS” (“GOD WITH US”) with laurel branches, the reverse with a loop and attachment claws emanating from a swivel roller, unmarked, measuring 62 mm (w) x 48 mm (h), a superb example of a buckle bridging the transition from the Reichswehr to Wehrmacht in extremely fine condition.