Germany, Third Reich. A Mixed Lot of Awards

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

1. A West Wall Medal, constructed of bronze, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon affixed to a parade mount with a horizontal pinback, light brown reverse liner, and magnetic metal core, the decoration consisting of an 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 32.88 mm (w) x 45.42 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

2. 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 reverse bearing a central raised inscription of “FÜR TREUE DIENSTE” (“FOR FAITHFUL SERVICE”), unmarked, measuring 40.80 mm (w) x 45.23 mm (h), weighing 21.1 grams (inclusive of ribbon), accompanied by its original presentation case, of two-piece card stock construction with a faux red leather exterior liner, the lid bearing a silvered number “25” situated within a cogwheel, the interior with a red felt lid liner and medal bed, the former retaining an intact maker’s label reading “WÄCHTLER & LANGE, MITTWEIDA”, measuring 50 mm (w) x 100 mm (l) x 15 mm (h), in extremely 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 shortened neck 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 a raised 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 35.77 mm (w) x 45.91 mm (h), weighing 12.5 grams, accompanied by its original presentation case, constructed of a wooden frame with a faux dark blue leather exterior liner, the lid bearing a gilded and embossed depiction of the award, the interior with a white rayon lid liner and intact hinge cover, the former maker marked “G. MIKSCH, GABLONZ”, with a slotted white felt medal bed, closing with a functional metal spring catch with exterior stud release, measuring 50 mm (w) x 110 mm (l) x 20 mm (h), the cross demonstrates some flecking to the enamels in addition to moderate material fatigue evident throughout the case, in very fine condition.

4. A Spanish Medal of the Russian Campaign, constructed of silvered bronze with enamels, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon with classic Spanish-style clasp and horizontal pinback, the obverse consisting of a Spanish national eagle, overlaid by a central 1939 Iron Cross, overlaying a circular laurel leaf wreath topped by a crown, the reverse consisting of a circular chain link wreath, surrounding a depiction of the Novgorod Kremlin above an inscription of “RUSIA 1941”, unmarked but demonstrating the characteristics of manufacturer by Diez y Compañia, Madrid, measuring 36.92 mm (w) x 51.61 mm (h), weighing 19.8 grams (inclusive of ribbon), accompanied by its original case of issue, constructed of card stock, the exterior bearing a maker’s mark of “DIEZ Y COMPAÑIA, S.A.-MADRID”, measuring 50 mm (w) x 95 mm (l) x 15 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.