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

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

1. A War Merit Medal, constructed of bronze, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, the obverse bearing a Maltese Cross with pebbled arms and a central wreathed mobile swastika, the reverse bearing an inscription of “FÜR KRIEGSVERDIENST 1939” (“FOR WAR MERIT 1939”), unmarked, measuring 32.32 mm in diameter, weighing 13.1 grams, in 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 36.49 mm (w) x 44.26 mm (h), weighing 21.8 grams, in very fine condition.

3. An Sudetenland Medal, constructed of bronze, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon with pinback, the obverse bearing two raised figures, one of which is clutching a flag and the other a length of broken chain, above a German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, the reverse bearing a date of “1. OKTOBER 1938”, circumscribed by an inscription of “EIN VOLK, EIN REICH, EIN FÜHRER” (“ONE PEOPLE, ONE NATION, ONE LEADER”), unmarked, measuring 32.32 mm in diameter, weighing 13.5 grams, demonstrating loss of finish and surface tarnishing throughout the base metal, in fair condition.

4. An Honour Cross of the World War 1914/1918 for Combatants, constructed of bronzed magnetic metal, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée with crossed swords piercing the centrepiece, the obverse bearing wreathed dates “1914-1918”, unmarked, measuring 38.12 mm (w) x 43.01 mm (h), weighing 16.8 grams, in extremely fine condition.

5. An Honour Cross of the German Mother, Bronze Grade, constructed of bronze with multi-coloured enamels, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, consisting of a Latin Cross with its arms joined through the quadrants by stylized rays, the obverse with blue and white enameled arms, bearing a central white enameled disc overlaid by 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 35.56 mm (w) x 45.40 mm (h), weighing 12.9 grams, demonstrating minor flecking and loss of finish to the enamels and base metal, respectively, in near extremely fine condition.

6. 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 black enameled swastika, the reverse bearing an inscription of “FÜR TREUE DIENSTE” (“FOR FAITHFUL SERVICE”), unmarked, measuring 42.18 mm (w) x 46.72 mm (h), weighing 22.5 grams, in mint condition.

7. 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 43.00 mm (w) x 46.03 mm (h), weighing 18.5 grams, in extremely fine condition.