Germany, Third Reich. A Pair of Awards for Gallantry & Merit for Members of the “Eastern People”

A grouping of two Third Reich German Medals for Gallantry and Merit for Members of the “Eastern People”, consisting of:

1. A Medal for Gallantry and Merit for Members of the “Eastern People”, I Class in Gold (Auszeichnung für Ostvölker 1. Klasse in Gold). Instituted July 14th, 1942. Constructed of bronzed zink, the obverse consisting of an eight-pointed starburst, bearing a central rosette set within a circular laurel leaf wreath, the reverse plain with a block hinge, a tapered pinback, and a flat fire watch, unmarked, measuring 49.9 mm (w) x 49.6 mm (l), weighing 23.64 grams, the award previously coated with a glossy finish to preserve the gilding, in near very fine condition. 

2. A Medal for Gallantry and Merit for Members of the “Eastern People”, II Class in Bronze. (Auszeichnung für Ostvölker 2. Klasse in Bronze). Instituted July 14th, 1942. Constructed of bronzed zink, on a fixed loop and ring for suspension from its period original ribbon, the obverse consisting of an eight-pointed starburst, bearing a central rosette set within a circular laurel leaf wreath, the reverse plain, measuring 40.1 mm (w) x 45.0 mm (l), weighing 13.00 grams, with some of the original bronze finish remaining on the reverse but with the majority worn off from age and wear, in better than fine condition.