Germany, Third Reich. A Mixed Lot of Awards for First and Second World War Service

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

1. 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 48.33 mm (w) x 48.66 mm (h), weighing 24.9 grams, in extremely fine condition.

2. An Eastern Front Medal, constructed of silvered and toned zink, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, the obverse bearing a 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, unmarked, measuring 35.80 mm (w) x 44.11 mm (h), weighing 18.4 grams, in very fine condition.

3. A 25-Year award, constructed of silvered bronze with enamels, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon with horizontal pinback, 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 40.72 mm (w) x 45.18 mm (h), weighing 20.8 grams (inclusive of ribbon), in extremely fine condition.

4. An Honour Cross of the World War 1914/1918 for Non-Combatants, constructed of bronzed magnetic metal, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée, the obverse bearing central wreathed dates “1914-1918”, the reverse maker marked with the logo of Reichsverband Pforzheim, measuring 38.21 mm (w) x 42.30 mm (h), weighing 13.3 grams, in extremely fine condition.

5. An Honour Cross of the World War 1914/1918 for War Bereaved, constructed of blackened magnetic metal, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée, the obverse bearing central wreathed dates “1914-1918”, the reverse maker marked with the logo of Reichsverband Pforzheim, measuring 38.00 mm (w) x 42.33 mm (h), weighing 12.3 grams, in extremely fine condition.

6. A 1914 Iron Cross II Class, constructed of iron and silver, on loop for suspension with 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 initial “W”, the six o’clock arm with a reinstitution date of “1914”, the twelve o’clock arm with a royal crown, the reverse with three central oak leaves, the six o’clock arm with an initial institution date of “1813”, the twelve o’clock arm with initials “FW” topped by a royal crown, unmarked, measuring 42.47 mm (w) x 46.83 mm (h), demonstrating loss of finish and surface oxidation to the reverse of the core, in very fine condition.