Germany, Imperial; Third Reich. A Pair of Cased Awards for Military and Civil Service

(Auszeichnungen). A pair of awards, including:

1. A Bavarian Military Merit Cross, III Class with Swords and Crown, constructed of coppered bronze, consisting of a Maltese Cross with pebbled arms, the obverse bearing a central monogram of King Ludwig II, situated within a stylized belt and buckle bearing an inscription of “MERENTI” (“MERIT”) with arabesques, the twelve o’clock arm riveted with a sword clasp, the reverse bearing a central Bavarian lion rampant, situated within a stylized belt and buckle bearing an institution date of “1866” with arabesques, the twelve o’clock arm topped by a crown and loop retaining a period original ribbon, unmarked, measuring 42.22 mm (w) x 66.12 mm (h), weighing 21.7 grams, accompanied by its original case of issue, constructed of two pieces of card stock with a faux maroon leather liner, the lid bearing a gilt inscription of “BAYR. M. V. KRZ. 3. KL. M. D. KR.”, the base maker marked “WEISS & CO. ORDENFABRIK, MÜNCHEN”, measuring 50 mm (w) x 105 mm (l) x 20 mm (h), demonstrating some loss of finish to the decoration, a rare example of an award retaining its court jeweller-manufactured case, in better than very fine condition.

2. A Civil Service 25-Year Faithful Service Award, constructed of silvered bronze with enamels, on loop for suspension from its period original 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 inscription of “FÜR TREUE DIENSTE” (“FOR FAITHFUL SERVICE”), unmarked, measuring 42.23 mm (w) x 46.76 mm (h), weighing 22.0 grams, accompanied by a matching ribbon bar, accompanied by its original case of issue, constructed of two pieces of card stock with a faux red leather liner, the interior of the lid retaining a maker’s label reading “RUD. A. KARNETH, GABLONZ/NEIßE”, measuring 50 mm (w) x 105 mm (l) x 15 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.