Germany, Federal Republic. A Lot of Four Medals, by Richard Souval, Exhibition Examples, c. 1980

(Post May 1945 manufacture - c. 1970 issue). A lot of four Third Reich exhibition medals and awards, by Rudolf Souval of Vienna, consisting of:

1. An Iron Cross 1939 Second Class. (Eisernes Kreuz 1939 II. Klasse). Reinstituted September 1st, 1939. Consisting of a Cross Pattée with a blackened magnetic iron core within a ribbed silver frame, the obverse with a central mobile swastika, the six o’clock arm with a reinstitution date of “1939”, the reverse six o’clock arm with an initial institution date of “1813”, on a loop for suspension from its correct modern replacement ribbon, measuring 44.8 mm (w) x 44.8 mm (l).

2. A Social Welfare Decoration. (Ehrenzeichen für deutsche Volkspflege). Instituted May 1st, 1939. A circular white metal medal, the obverse with a Greek Cross bearing the Social Welfare eagle motif centrally clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, the reverse inscribed “Medaille für deutsche Volkspflege”, on a loop for suspension from its correct modern replacement ribbon, measuring 38.4 mm in diameter.

3. An Air Raid Protection Medal. (Luftschutz Ehrenzeichen). Instituted January 30th, 1938. A circular white metal medal, consisting of an oak wreath with a central mobile swastika circumscribed “Für Verdienste im Luftschutz” (For Merit in Air Raid Protection), the reverse with a similar design, dated “1938” centrally, on a loop for suspension from its correct modern replacement ribbon, measuring 39.3 mm in diameter.

4. An Italian-German African Campaign Medal, constructed of silvered white metal, the obverse bearing two raised gladiators grappling with a crocodile, the reverse bearing a central raised depiction of the Arco dei Fileni, flanked by a fasces and swastika, and circumscribed by an inscription of “Italian German Campaign in Africa” in both German and Italian, on a loop for suspension from its correct modern replacement ribbon, measuring 31.6 mm in diameter.

A fine collection of four Third Reich pattern medals and awards produced after the war by Rudolf Souval, in overall better than extremely fine condition.

Footnote: Rudolf Souval was a predominant manufacturer of medals, awards, and badges during the Second World War. Following the end of the war in Europe in May 1945, Rudolf Souval continued manufacturing certain awards using wartime parts and dies for American G.I’s stationed in Europe.