Germany, Third Reich. A Pair of Merit Decorations for Fire Brigade and Midwife Service

 (Auszeichnungen). A pair of merit decorations, including:

1. A Fire Brigade Honour Decoration, II Class, constructed of silvered bronze with multi-coloured enamels, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, consisting of a Geneva Cross, the obverse joined through the quadrants with a circular ring bearing an inscription of “FÜR VERDIENSTE IM FEUERLÖSCHWESEN”, with white enameled arms overlaid by stylized flames, bearing a central white enameled medallion overlaid by a black mobile swastika situated within a black ring, unmarked, measuring 43.40 mm (w) x 47.41 mm (h), weighing 18.2 grams, demonstrating minor flecking to the enamels, in extremely fine condition.

2. A Reich Association of German Midwives membership badge, constructed of bronze with multi-coloured enamels, the obverse consisting of a central white enameled cross, insert with a raised image of a mother holding a child, with the three, nine, and twelve o’clock arms bearing initials “RDH” (Reichsverband der Deutschen Hebammen, or Reich Association of German Midwives), the six o’clock arm bearing a mobile swastika, situated within a blue enameled ring bearing a gilt inscription of “IM DIENSTE DER ZUKUNFT UNSERES VOLKES” (“IN SERVICE OF THE FUTURE OF OUR PEOPLE”), the reverse with a clip hinge and horizontal pinback meeting a round wire catch, unmarked, measuring 36.11 mm in diameter, weighing 13.9 grams, demonstrating minor flecking and surface chipping to the enamels, in better than very fine condition.