Germany. The Career Decorations & Certificates Of Infantry Sen. Lance Corp. Gerhard Iken

This is a fine collection of decorations and matching award certificates, belonging to Infantry Obergefreiter Gerhard Iken, consisting of 1) A Medal Bar with an Iron Cross 1939 Second Class, a Commemorative Sudentenland Medal, a Commemorative Westwall Medal, and a Bulgarian order of Merit with War Decoration - the Iron Cross accompanied by an Award Certificate, 2) A Krim Shield with its Award Certificate, 3) An Bronze Grade Infantry Assault Badge with its Award Certificate, 4) A Black Grade Wound Badge with Award Certificate, 5) A Studio Portrait of the recipient. All documents are named to Obergefreiter (Corporal) Gerhard Iken of the 1st Company of Infantry Regiment 16.

1) The medal bar consisting of 1) Iron Cross 1939 Second Class “Eisernes Kreuz 1939 2. Klasse”; a cross pattée of multi-piece construction with a blackened iron core (magnetic) within a ribbed border; on loop for suspension; the obverse with a raised central mobile swastika with the re-institution date “1939” in raised numbering on the lower arm; the reverse with the original institution date “1813” in raised numbering on the lower arm; measuring 44.00 mm (w) x 44.06 mm (h). The Iron Cross 2nd Class certificate is dated to October 13, 1941 and signed in faded blue ink by the Commander of the 22nd Infantry Division, Major General Ludwig Wolff (1893–1968), a recipient of the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves. It measures 140 mm x 186 mm. 2) A Commemorative Sudentenland Medal “Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 1. October 1938”; circular bronze medal; on loop for suspension; the obverse with two raised male figures, the one on the right bearing the German flag in his left hand, with his right hand placed around the shoulders of the figure on the left, with broken chains around his right arm (symbolic of the liberation of the Sudeten German from Czechoslovak oppression), with the German eagle directly below; the reverse with the date “1. Oktober 1938” centrally and circumscribed “Ein Volk, Ein Reich, Ein Führer” (One People, One Country, One Leader); measuring 31.90 mm in diameter. 3) A Commemorative Westwall Medal “Deutsches Schutzwall-Ehrenzeichen”; oval bronze medal; on a loop for suspension; the obverse with a crossed shovel and sword in the centre, and a concrete pillbox/bunker directly below, as well as with the German national eagle above, all within an oak leaf wreath; the reverse inscribed “Für Arbeit zum schutze Deutschlands” (For labour for the protection of Germany) within an oak wreath; measuring 33.06 mm (w) x 41.04 mm (h). 4) A Bulgarian Order of Merit Fifth Class with War Decoration; a cross constructed of silver with red enameled arms and crossed swords between the arms of the cross; the obverse depicting a round central red enameled medallion with a silver Royal Monogram, surrounded by a ring of white enamels, inscribed with the name of the award in lettering; with an extensive wartime decoration of green enameled laurel and oak leaves fastened to the obverse of the award; the reverse features a round central red enameled medallion with a silver crowned rampant lion, surrounded by a ring of white enamels, inscribed with the date the award was created; on a loop for suspension; measuring 51.26 mm (w) x 55.17 mm (h); metal core (magnetic); blue wool backer; horizontal pinback; measuring 135 mm (w) x 64 mm (h).

2) A Wehrmacht Heer (Army) Issue Krim Campaign Shield “Krim Ärmelschild”; in bronzed metal (magnetic); on a field grey wool backer; with a metal backer on the reverse and all four prongs intact below the paper backing; measuring 68 mm (w) x 80 mm (h). The Crimean Shield certificate is dated to December 10, 1942 and carries a facsimile of Generalfeldmarschall Erich von Manstein (1887–1973), a recipient of the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords. It measures 149 mm x 186 mm.

3) A Bronze Grade Infantry Assault Badge “Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen”; oval shaped oak leaf wreath in bronzed zink, with a national eagle clutching a swastika on the top and a bowtie on the bottom. Diagonally across the badge is a Karabiner 98k with the bayonet attached to the front of the barrel and the carrying sling hanging from the rifle; the reverse plain; with a vertical round wire pinback, a crimped sheet metal hinge, and a crimped round wire catch; unmarked; measuring 47.78 mm (w) x 62.70 mm (h); weighing 24.5 grams. The Infantry Assault Badge certificate is dated to August 31, 1941 and carries a facsimile of Regiment Leader of Infantry Regiment 16, Major Werner Haag (1909–1985). It measures 147 mm x 186 mm.

4) A Black Grade Wound Badge “Verwundetenabzeichen”; oval shaped blackened bronze; the obverse pebbled with a Stahlhelm in the centre featuring a large mobile swastika on its side superimposed on crossed swords within a wreath of laurel leaves with a tied bow at the bottom; the reverse plain with a vertical needle style pin, sheet metal hinge, and a round wire catch; measuring 36.60 mm (w) x 44.38 mm (h); weighing 13.8 grams. The Wound Badge in Black certificate is dated to November 1, 1941. It was awarded for Iken being wounded on October 19, 1941. It is signed in blue ink by a Major and Battalion Commander of the Infantry Regiment 16’s 1st Battalion, the name is illegible. It measures 140 mm (w) x 186 mm (h).

5) A studio portrait of the recipient. It measures 52 mm (w) x 79 mm (h).

A fine collection of career awards with their matching award certificates. In overall better than extremely fine condition.