Germany, Third Reich. A Pair of Cased Awards for Civil Merit

(Auszeichnungen mit Etui). A pair of awards, including:

1. A Civil Service 25-Year Faithful Service Award, constructed of silvered bronze with enamels, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon with 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 inscription of “FÜR TREUE DIENSTE” (“FOR FAITHFUL SERVICE”), unmarked, measuring 42.23 mm (w) x 46.76 mm (h), weighing 21.0 grams, 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 number “25” within a cogwheel, unmarked, measuring 45 mm (w) x 100 mm (l) x 12 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

2. 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 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 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 35.79 cm (w) x 44.83 cm (h), 13.1 grams, accompanied by its original presentation case, constructed of a rigid card stock frame with a faux dark blue leather exterior liner, the lid bearing a gilt depiction of the award, the interior with a white rayon lid liner and fitted white felt medal bed, the former maker marked “A. RETTENMAIER, SCHWÄB-GMÜND”, measuring 50 mm (w) x 110 mm (l) x 20 mm (h), some oxidation is visible to the decoration and the case demonstrating material fatigue throughout, in better than very fine condition.