Germany, Wehrmacht. A Pair of Service Awards, Late-War Examples

(Auszeichnungen). A pair of late-war service badges, including:

1. A Blockade Runner Badge, constructed of silvered zink, the obverse consisting of a circular chain link wreath, surrounding a depictions of a blockade runner cutting through waves and breaking the chain, with its bow overlaid by a German national eagle clutching a mobile swastika while in mid-flight, the reverse with a barrel hinge and banjo-style pinback meeting a flat wire catch, designer marked “OTTO PLACZEK, BERLIN”, maker marked “SCHWERIN, BERLIN”, measuring 48.80 mm in diameter, weighing 31.6 grams, accompanied by a matching stick pin miniature, of identical construction and composition, unmarked, measuring 9.05 mm in diameter, both concealed with a period presentation case, constructed of a light wooden frame with a faux dark blue leather exterior liner, the interior with a blue felt lid liner and intact hinge cover, with a slotted blue felt medal bed, unmarked, measuring 75 mm (w) x 82 mm (l) x 24 mm (h), demonstrating loss of finish throughout the base metals of the decorations in addition to material fatigue of the case, the latter including the loss of the hinge, in very fine condition.

2. A General Assault Badge, constructed of silvered zink, the obverse consisting of an oval oak leaf wreath, surrounding a central Heer-style German national eagle clutching a mobile swastika, situated above a crossed bayonet and stick grenade, the reverse with a crimped hinge and vertical pinback, unmarked, measuring 44.12 mm (w) x 53.60 mm (h), weighing 31.1 grams, loss of finish is evident throughout, zink pest is visible to the reverse with some chipping of the edge, and the catch is missing, in fair condition.