Germany, Third Reich. A Mint Fire Brigade Honour Decoration, II Class with Issue Package, by L. Christian Lauer

(Reichsfeuerwehr-Ehrenzeichen II. Klasse). Instituted 22 June 1936 by Wilhelm Frick. (1936-1945 issue). Constructed of silvered bronze with multi-coloured enamels, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, consisting of a Geneva Cross joined together through the quadrants by a circular ring bearing an obverse inscription of “FÜR VERDIENSTE IM FEUER-LÖSCHWESEN” (“FOR MERIT IN FIRE-FIGHTING”), the obverse of the cross featuring white enameled arms bearing a central white enameled medallion overlaid by a black mobile swastika, surrounding by stylized red enameled flames, unmarked, measuring 43.97 mm (w) x 47.69 mm (h), weighing 18.8 grams, accompanied by its original package of issue, constructed of beige paper stock, the exterior bearing an inscription of “FEUERWEHR-EHRENZEICHEN 2. STUFE” (“FIRE BRIGADE HONOUR DECORATION 2 CLASS”) and a maker’s mark of “L. CHR. LAUER, NÜRNBERG-BERLIN” for the prolific firm of L. Christian Lauer, measuring 58 mm (w) x 95 mm (h), a scarce matching set in near mint condition.