Germany, Third Reich. A Mixed Lot Of Decorations

(Auszeichnungen). A mixed lot of five decorations, 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 an inscription of “FÜR KRIEGS-VERDIENST 1939” (“FOR WAR MERIT 1939”), unmarked, measuring 32.40 mm in diameter, weighing 12.9 grams, in near mint condition.

2. 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, the obverse bearing a central wreathed mobile swastika, the reverse bearing a central wreathed date of “1939”, unmarked, measuring 48.44 mm (w) x 48.76 mm (h), weighing 18.8 grams, in near mint condition.

3. An Eastern Front Medal, constructed of silvered and patinated zink, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, the obverse bearing a raised Heer-style German national eagle clutching a swastika, the reverse bearing a raised inscription of “WINTERSCHLACHT IM OSTEN 1941/42” (“WINTER BATTLE IN THE EAST 1941/42”), above a crossed sword and laurel branch, topped by a Stahlhem and stick grenade, the suspension loop maker marked with Präsidialkanzlei code “1” for Deschler & Sohn, Munich, measuring 35.89 mm (w) x 44.12 mm (h), weighing 21.0 grams, accompanied by a mis-matched package of issue, constructed of light brown paper stock, the exterior bearing an inscription of “MEDAILLE ‘WINTERSCHLACHT IM OSTEN 1941/42’ (OSTMEDAILLE)” amd a maker’s mark of “JULIUS MAURER, OBERSTEIN A. D. R.”, measuring 60 mm (w) x 102 mm (h), in near extremely fine condition.

4. A Civil Service 25 Year Faithful Service Cross, constructed of silvered bronze, 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 reverse bearing a central raised inscription of “FÜR TREUE DIENSTE” (“FOR FAITHFUL SERVICE”), unmarked, measuring 42.10 mm (w) x 46.65 mm (h), weighing 21.4 grams, accompanied by its original presentation case, constructed of a two-piece card stock frame 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 a maker’s label reading “RUDOLF HAUPT, GABLONZ/NEIßE”, measuring 50 mm (w) x 105 mm (l) x 15 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

5. An Honour Cross of the German Mother, Silver Grade, constructed of silvered bronze, 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 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, measuring 35.24 mm (w) x 45.61 mm (h), weighing 14.4 grams (inclusive of ribbon), demonstrating moderate chipping of the enamels, in very fine condition.