Germany, Third Reich. A Mixed Lot of Service and Merit Awards

(Auszeichnungen). A mixed lot of service and merit awards, including:

1. An Order of the German Eagle, Merit Medal in Silver, constructed of silver, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, the obverse bearing a raised Maltese Cross with its arms joined through the quadrants by NSDAP-style German national eagles clutching wreathed mobile swastikas, the reverse bearing a raised inscription of “DEUTSCHE VERDIENST-MEDAILLE” (“GERMAN MERIT MEDAL”), the edge stamped with a crescent indicating German manufacture, a silver content number of “835”, and an inscription of “PR. MÜNZE BERLIN” for the Prussian State Mint in Berlin,  measuring 38.18 mm in diameter, weighing 24.7 grams, the ribbon is missing its pinback, in extremely fine condition.

2. 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 national 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, the loop maker marked with Präsidialkanzlei code “10” for Förster & Barth, Pforzheim, measuring 36.26 mm (w) x 44.43 mm (h), weighing 17.2 grams, demonstrating near-total loss of finish throughout, in very fine condition.

3. A West Wall Medal, constructed of bronzed zink, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, consisting of a double-sided oval oak leaf wreath, joined together at the top and bottom by ribbon, the obverse bearing a raised pillbox topped by a crossed sword and shovel and German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, the reverse bearing a raised inscription of “FÜR ARBEIT ZUM SCHUTZE DEUTSCHLANDS” (“FOR WORK IN THE PROTECTION OF GERMANY”), unmarked, measuring 33.33 mm (w) x 45.55 mm (h), weighing 13.6 grams, demonstrating minor loss of bronze finish, in very fine condition.

4. A Cross of Honour of the German Red Cross, Merit Medal, constructed of silvered bronze with multi-coloured enamels, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, the obverse consisting of a red enameled Geneva Cross, with its arms joined through the outer quadrants by a circular white enameled ring, bearing a central gilded and black-enameled DRK-style German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, the reverse with pebbled arms bearing a raised inscription of “FÜR VERDIENSTE UM DAS DEUTSCHE ROTE KREUZ” (“FOR SERVICES TO THE GERMAN RED CROSS”), unmarked, measuring 38.15 mm in diameter, weighing 14.5 grams, demonstrating moderate flecking and scratching to the enamels, with loss of silver finish to the base metal, in very fine condition.