Germany. A Lot of International Awards for Military and Diplomatic Service to the Achenbach Family

(Konvolut). A superb and fascinating lot of international awards to Dr. August Heinrich Achenbach and Dr. Richard Achenbach. Recognizing distinguished service in the United States Civil War, the Franco-Prussian War, the Second World War, and for postwar diplomatic service. The group consists of:

1. A medal bar to Dr. August Heinrich Achenbach for Franco-Prussian War and United States Civil War service featuring three decorations, including a War Commemorative Medal of 1870/71 for Combatants, constructed of bronze on loop for suspension from a Third Reich-period replacement ribbon (likely intended for an Honour Cross of the World War 1914/1918 for Combatants), unmarked, measuring 29.04 mm in diameter, in extremely find condition; a War Commemorative Medal of 1870/71 for Non-Combatants, constructed of magnetic metal, on loop for suspension from a modern replacement ribbon, unmarked, measuring 29.02 mm in diameter, demonstrating minor surface oxidation, in better than very fine condition, and; a United States Army Civil War Medal, constructed of bronze, on loop for suspension from a period ribbon, unmarked, measuring 33.46 mm in diameter, in extremely fine condition; all suspended from a 100-mm long bar with a horizontal pinback and red wool reverse liner, unmarked, demonstrating the characteristics of assembly c. 1970 (likely as a representation compiled by his grandson)     in extremely fine condition.

Accompanied by an extensive lot of awards to his grandson, Dr. Richard Achenbach, consisting of:

2. A medal bar for Second World War and civil service featuring three decorations, including an Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, Merit Cross, constructed of gilded bronze with multi-coloured enamels, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 54.80 mm (w) x 58.00 mm (h), in extremely fine condition; a 1939 Iron Cross II Class, 1957 Version, constructed of iron and neusilber, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, unmarked measuring 44.22 mm (w) x 48.06 mm (h), in extremely fine condition, and; a Canadian Royal Life Saving Society Medal, constructed of bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 32.70 mm in diameter, in extremely fine condition; all suspended from 100 mm-long bar with a horizontal pinback and red wool reverse liner, in extremely fine condition.

3. A Luftwaffe Flak Badge, 1957 version, constructed of silvered bronze, the obverse consisting of an oval oak leaf wreath, joined together at the bottom by ribbon, topped by a Luftwaffe eagle, surrounding a central Flak 88 with its barrel raised and extending beyond the edge of the wreath, the reverse with a crimped barrel hinge and vertical pinback meeting a flat wire catch, unmarked, measuring 45.21 mm (w) x 62.30 mm (h), in near mint condition.

4. A Sturmabteilung (SA) Sports Badge, Bronze Grade, constructed of bronzed magnetic metal, the obverse consisting of an oval oak leaf wreath, surrounding a central mobile swastika overlaid by a sword, the reverse with an integral hinge and vertical pinback meeting a flat wire catch, maker marked “BERNSBACH/S.A.”, measuring 46.94 mm (w) x 58.64 mm (h), weighing 17.0 grams, demonstrating moderate loss of bronze finish to the base metal, a Type III award in better than very fine condition.

5. A set of the Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem, including a neck cross, constructed of gilded bronze with multi-coloured enamels, the obverse consisting of a a Maltese Cross with green enameled arms trimmed with white enamels and terminating in ball finials, joined together through the quadrants by stylized letters “L”, the twelve o’clock arm topped by an integral suspension ring and loop connecting to an elaborate gilded and enameled device retaining an original full-length of beck ribbon, the reverse bearing a central medallion featuring the insignia of the order, otherwise unmarked, measuring 63.80 mm (w) x 68.92 mm (h), demonstrating some flecking to the enamels, in extremely fine condition, and; a bread star, the obverse consisting of an  eight-pointed radiant star, overlaid by a central Maltese Cross with green enameled arms trimmed with white borders and terminating in ball finials, joined through the quadrants by stylized letters “L”, bearing a central gilded medallion featuring a depiction of Christ raising Lazarus, situated within a green enameled ring bearing a gilt inscription of “ATAVIS ET ARMIS” (“BY ANCESTORS AND ARMS”), the reverse with two blasted rivets securing the obverse applique in position, with a block hinge and vertical pinback meeting a round wire catch, flanked on each side by stabilizers, unmarked, measuring 87.56 mm (w) x 87.40 mm (h), in extremely fine condition. 

6. A ribbon bar, featuring all of the aforementioned decorations (with the exception of the SA Sports Badge), set on a 75 mm-long bronze core with a horizontal pinback and red wool reverse liner, unmarked, in extremely fine condition.

7. A Class B Glider Pilot pin, constructed of silvered bronze with multi-coloured enamels, unmarked, measuring 22 mm in diameter, in extremely fine condition.

The group is accompanied by an extensive collection of facsimile and original documents, letters, and images pertinent to the estates of both individuals. These include facsimile copies of the senior Achenbach’s enlistment and certification forms, supplemented by correspondence between the younger Achenbach and various authorities in compiling a record of his grandfather’s life and service.

Footnote: Dr. August Heinrich Achenbach was born in 1835 in Niederlaasphe, Germany (present-day North Rhine/Westphalia). After qualifying as a medical doctor, he emigrated to the United States in 1857 aboard the ship “William Tell” and established a practice in Pittsburgh, where he also became a US citizen on 14 December 1865. During the Civil War, Achenbach served as an Assistant Surgeon first with the 7th New York Infantry Volunteers, and later with the 16th United States Colored Infantry Regiment. Returning to private practice after the conflict, he was recalled to service with the Prussian Army during the Franco-Prussian War, where he once again served honourably. He remained in the newly-formed German Empire following victory over France, subsequently marrying Mathilda Rohm and dying in Frankfurt-am-Main in 1890. His widow continued to receive a US pension until her own death in 1931.

His grandson, Dr. Richard Achenbach, was born in Berlin in 1916. After qualifying as a glider pilot through the Deutscher Luftsport Verband (German Air Sports Association/DLV), he entered Luftwaffe service and performed duties with a flak unit. The younger Achenbach was eventually taken prisoner by the Allies and transferred to a POW camp in Alberta, Canada. After his release, he embarked on a career in the Diplomatic Service of West Germany, and notably obtained the position of Consul-General in Edmonton, Alberta, in proximity to the site of his wartime captivity. Achenbach received numerous distinctions throughout his career, including those offered as part of this fascinating estate.