Germany, Third Reich; Germany, Democratic Republic. A Mixed Lot of Service Awards

(Auszeichnungen). A mixed lot of service awards, 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 32.36 mm in diameter, weighing 12.8 grams, in near mint condition.

2. An Eastern Front Medal, constructed of silvered and patinated zink, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, the obverse bearing a raised Heer-style German national eagle clutching a swastika, the reverse bearing a raised 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, the suspension loop maker marked with Präsidialkanzlei code “19” for E. Ferdinand Wiedmann, Frankfurt, measuring 35.95 mm (w) x 44.10 mm (h), weighing 15.7 grams, demonstrating near-total loss of finish, in very fine condition.

3. A West Wall Medal, constructed of bronzed zink, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, consisting of a double-sided oval oak leaf wreath, joined together at the top and bottom by ribbon, the obverse bearing a raised pillbox, topped by a crossed sword and shovel, and German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, the reverse bearing a raised inscription of “FÜR ARBEIT ZUM SCHUTZE DEUTSCHLANDS” (“FOR WORK IN THE PROTECTION OF GERMANY”), unmarked, measuring 33.25 mm (w) x 46.62 mm (h), weighing 13.4 grams, demonstrating near-total loss of bronze finish, in better than very 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 42.20 mm (w) x 46.86 mm (h), weighing 21.3 grams, demonstrating minor loss of silver finish, in near extremely fine condition. 

5. A GDR Medal for Faithful Service in Fighting Groups of the Working Class, Silver Grade, constructed of silvered bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon affixed to a pentagonal backer with horizontal pinback, unmarked, measuring 31.64 mm in diameter, in extremely fine condition.

6. A Medal for Faithful Fulfillment of Duty in Civil Defence of the German Democratic Republic, Silver Grade, constructed of silvered bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon affixed to a pentagonal backplate with horizontal pinback, unmarked, measuring 35.02 mm in diameter, in near extremely fine condition.