Germany, Third Reich. A Mixed Lot of Awards

(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 raised Maltese Cross with pebbled arms and a central wreathed mobile swastika, the reverse bearing a raised inscription of “FÜR KRIEGSVERDIENST 1939” (“FOR WAR MERIT 1939”), unmarked, measuring 32.15 mm in diameter, weighing 12.6 grams, in near mint condition.

2. A West Wall Medal, constructed of bronzed zink, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, consisting of a double-sided oval oak leaf wreath, joined together at the top and bottom by ribbon, the obverse bearing a raised pillbox, topped by a crossed sword and shovel and a German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, the reverse bearing a raised inscription of “FÜR ARBEIT ZUM SCHUTZE DEUTSCHLANDS” (“FOR WORK IN THE PROTECTION OF GERMANY”), unmarked, measuring 33.38 mm (w) x 46.60 mm (h), weighing 14.8 grams, demonstrating near-total loss of bronze finish, in very fine condition.

3. An Eastern Peoples Bravery Decoration, II Class in Bronze, constructed of bronzed zink, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon with horizontal pinback, the obverse consisting of an eight-pointed radiant starburst, overlaid by a central rosette situated within a circular laurel wreath, with crossed swords piercing the centrepiece, unmarked but demonstrating the characteristics of manufacture by Wächtler & Lange, Mittweida, measuring 40.17 mm (w) x 45.54 mm (h), weighing 15.4 grams (inclusive of ribbon), demonstrating near-total loss of finish, in very fine condition.

4. A 1914 Iron Cross II Class, constructed of iron and silver, 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 twelve o’clock arm with initials “FW” topped by a royal crown, the suspension loop maker marked “Z” or “N” for an unidentified manufacturer, measuring 42.52 mm (w) x 46.46 mm (h), weighing 18.7 grams, in near extremely fine condition.