Germany, Third Reich. A Mixed Lot Of Decorations

(Auszeichnungen). A mixed lot of six 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 and a central wreathed mobile swastikas, the reverse bearing a raised inscription of “FÜR KRIEGSVERDIENST 1939” (“FOR WAR MERIT 1939”), unmarked, measuring 32.23 mm in diameter, weighing 12.7 grams, in near mint condition.

2. A War Merit Cross II Class with Swords, constructed of bronzed zink, 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 49.68 mm (w) x 50.19 mm (h) and accompanied by its original wax paper liner, weighing 18.0 grams, demonstrating total loss of bronze finish with significant oxidation, in poor 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 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 Stahlhelm and stick grenade, unmarked, measuring 36.12 mm (w) x 44.71 nn (h), weighing 22.3 grams, demonstrating loss of finish throughout, in very fine condition.

4. A West Wall Medal, constructed of bronzed zink, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, consisting of an oval oak leaf wreath, joined together at the 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 SCHUTZ DEUTSCHLANDS” (“FOR WORK IN THE DEFENCE OF GERMANY”), unmarked, measuring 33.35 mm (w) x 46.81 mm (h), weighing 13.9 grams, demonstrating total loss of bronze finish with minor oxidation, in very fine condition.

5. A 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 reverse bearing a central raised inscription of “FÜR TREUE DIENSTE” (“FOR FAITHFUL SERVICE”), unmarked, measuring 42.45 mm (w) x 46.70 mm (h), weighing 21.3 grams, demonstrating some tarnishing and bending of the structure, in very fine condition.

6. 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 stylized rays joining the quadrants, 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 36.11 mm (w) x 45.86 mm (h), weighing 13.1 grams (inclusive of ribbon), demonstrating some chipping to the enamels with loss of bronze finish to the base metal, in very fine condition.