Germany, Third Reich. A Mixed Lot of Awards for Military and Civil Service

(Auszeichnungen). A mixed lot of awards, including:

1. A War Merit Cross II Class, constructed of bronze, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, consisting of a Maltese Cross with pebbled arms and with crossed swords piercing the centrepiece, the obverse bearing a wreathed mobile swastika, the reverse bearing a wreathed date of “1939”, unmarked, 49.38 mm (w) x 49.28 mm (h), weighing 23.5 grams, in near mint condition.

2. An Eastern Front Medal, constructed of silvered and toned zink, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, the obverse bearing a Heer-style German national eagle clutching a swastika, the reverse bearing an 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, unmarked, measuring 35.74mm (w) x 44.25 mm (h), weighing 19.3 grams, demonstrating loss of finish and surface oxidation, in very fine condition.

3. An Honour Cross of the German Mother, Gold Grade, constructed of gilded bronze with multi-coloured enamels, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, consisting of Latin Cross, the obverse with blue and white enameled arms joined through the quadrants by stylized rays, overlaid by a central white enameled medallion bearing a black swastika, circumscribed by an inscription of “DER DEUTSCHEN MUTTER” (“TO THE GERMAN MOTHER”), the reverse bearing an etched institution date of “16. DEZEMBER 1938” and a signature of the Führer, unmarked, measuring 35.82 mm (w) x 45.95 mm (h), weighing 12.3 grams, demonstrating moderate loss of finish and some fine cracking to the enamels, in very fine condition. 

4. A 1914 Iron Cross II Class, constructed of iron and silver, on loop for suspension from its original Third Reich-period ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée with a blackened magnetic iron core within a ribbed silver frame, the obverse with a central initial “W”, the six o’clock arm with a reinstitution date of “1914”, the twelve o’clock arm with a royal crown, the reverse with three central oak leaves, the six o’clock arm with an initial institution date of “1813”, the suspension loop maker marked “WMS” for a documented but unidentified manufacturer, measuring 42.72 mm (w) x 46.50 mm (h), weighing 16.9 grams, in extremely fine condition.