Germany, Third Reich. A Mixed Lot of Awards

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

1. A War Merit Medal, constructed of bronze, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, the obverse bearing a raised Maltese Cross with pebbled arms and a central mobile swastika, the reverse bearing a raised inscription of “FÜR KRIEGSVERDIENST 1939” (“FOR WAR MERIT 1939”), unmarked, measuring 32.28 mm in diameter, weighing 12.8 grams, in near mint condition.

2. A War Merit Cross II Class with Swords, constructed of bronze, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, consisting of a Maltese Cross with pebbled arms and crossed swords piercing the centrepiece, the obverse bearing a central wreathed mobile swastika, the reverse bearing a central wreathed date of “1939”, unmarked, measuring 49.37 mm (w) x 49.29 mm (h), weighing 23.4 grams, accompanied by its original package of issue, constructed of light brown paper stock, the exterior bearing an inscription of “KRIEGSVERDIENSTKREUZ 2. KLASSE MIT SCHWERTERN” and a maker’s mark of “JAKOB BENGEL, OBERSTEIN”, measuring 60 mm (w) x 105 mm (h), in near mint condition.

3. A Civil Service 25-Year Faithful Service Award, constructed of silvered bronze with enamels, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon with horizontal pinback, 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 bearing a central raised inscription of “FÜR TREUE DIENSTE” (“FOR FAITHFUL SERVICE”), unmarked, measuring 40.84 mm (w) x 45.48 mm (h), weighing 22.3 grams (inclusive of ribbon), accompanied by its original presentation case, of two-piece card stock construction, the exterior with a faux red leather liner, the lid bearing a silvered and embossed number “25” situated within a cogwheel, the interior with a red felt lid liner and slotted medal bed, the former retaining a maker’s label reading “R. SOUVAL, WIEN VII.”, measuring 50 mm (w) x 100 mm (l) x 15 mm (h), demonstrating minor material fatigue to the case, in overall extremely fine condition.

4. A second Civil Service 25-Year Faithful Service Award, constructed of silvered bronze with enamels, on loop for suspension from a period replacement 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 bearing a central raised inscription of “FÜR TREUE DIENSTE” (“FOR FAITHFUL SERVICE”), unmarked, measuring 42.27 mm (w) x 46.67 mm (h), weighing 21.6 grams, demonstrating loss of finish with consequent tarnishing throughout, in very fine condition.