Germany, Wehrmacht. A Rare German Cross in Silver, with Accessories and Photographs, from the Estate of Generalmajor Ernst Merk

(Deutsches Kreuz in Silber mit Etui). A superb lot of awards, accessories, and photographs from the estate of Generalmajor Ernst Merk (Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross, 15 July 1944), consisting of:

1. A German Cross in Silver, constructed of tombak with multi-coloured enamels, the obverse consisting of a double-overlaid eight-pointed starburst, with a central silvered disc bearing a black enameled mobile swastika, situated within a circular silvered laurel leaf wreath, wrapped in ribbon and joined together at the bottom by a plaque bearing an institution date of “1941”, trimmed along both the inner and outer edges with red enameled rings, the reverse with six visible protruding rivets securing the obverse features in position, with a barrel hinge and tapering elongated vertical pinback meeting a flattened and rounded catch, unmarked but demonstrating the characteristics of manufacture by Deschler & Sohn, Munich, measuring 63.26 mm (w) x 63.20 mm (h), weighing 66.6 grams, accompanied by its original presentation case, constructed of a wooden frame with a faux black leather exterior liner, the interior with a white rayon lid liner and intact hinge cover, with a slotted black felt medal bed, closing with a functional magnetic metal spring catch with exterior stud release, unmarked but demonstrating the characteristics of a large version used by a number of authorized manufacturers of the German Cross, measuring 107.42 mm (w) x 106.95 mm (l) x 26.27 mm (h), weighing 81.0 grams, the award demonstrates loosening of the wreath with additional loss of silver finish exposing the tombak base, in addition to some bending of the pinback and a moderate patina throughout the base metal, a rare set in an overall very fine condition.

2. A miniature medal chain featuring ten decorations executed according to 1957 regulations, including a 1939 Iron Cross II Class, a 1939 Iron Cross II Class, a German Cross in Gold, a Black Grade Wound Badge, an Order of the Crown of Romania, an Order of the Star of Romania, a Wehrmacht 18-Year Long Service Award, a Wehrmacht 12-Year Long Service Award, an Anschluss Medal, and a Sudetenland Medal, all constructed of bronze with black, gilt, and silver finish, in addition to enamels where applicable, all suspended from a 135 mm-long gilded chain completing at each end in a needle for pin-on attachment, unmarked, a superb example to a distinguished veteran in extremely fine condition.

3. A commemorative cigarette case, constructed of a hollow silver shell, the exterior bearing an engraved inscription of “TAG DES HEERES, KARLSHORST, 9. 7. 1939.” (“DAY OF THE ARMY, KARLSHORST, 9. 7. 1939.”, stamped with a crown and crescent indicating German manufacture, a silver content number of “800”, and the hallmark of Johann Wagner & Sohn, Berlin, retaining an original brown leather pouch which inserts seamlessly into the shell, measuring 73 mm (w) x 92 mm (h) when assembled, the silver shell weighing 86.2 grams, a unique commemorative piece issued on the eve of the Second World War in extremely fine condition.

4. A group of 14 photographs, consisting of wartime images and high-quality postwar reprints, consisting of studio portraits of Merk in uniform and images of the Generalmajor in the field, some with awards visible, notably supplemented by a Feldpost letter and envelope dated 1944, addressed to a Frau Maria Merke (presumably his wife), written in shorthand, in overall extremely fine condition. 

Footnote: In addition to the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, Ernst Merk is notable as one of eleven known recipients of the German Cross in Gold and Silver Grades, both in his capacity as an Officer to the General Staff.