Germany, Third Reich. A Pair of Cased Civil Awards

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

1. 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 a raised 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, measuring 34.90 mm (w) x 45.42 mm (h), weighing 14.1 grams (inclusive of ribbon), accompanied by its original presentation case, constructed of a pressed 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 bearing a maker’s mark of “HANS GNAD, WIEN VII”, with a slotted white velvet medal bed, closing with a functional metal spring catch with exterior stud release, measuring 50 mm (w) x 110 mm (l) x 20 mm (h), moderate material fatigue is visible throughout the case (including friction which compromises the functionality of the catch), in near extremely fine condition.

2. A Civil Service 25-Year Faithful Service Award, constructed of silvered bronze with enamels, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon with horizontal 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 raised inscription of “FÜR TREUE DIENSTE”, unmarked, measuring 41.20 mm (w) x 46.00 mm (h), weighing 20.9 grams (inclusive of ribbon), accompanied by its original presentation case, of two-piece card stock construction with a faux maroon leather exterior liner, the lid bearing a silvered number “25” situated within a cogwheel, the interior with a maroon felt lid liner and medal bed, the former retaining a manufacturer’s label reading “WÄCHTLER & LANGE, MITTWEIDA I. SA.”, measuring 50 mm (w) x 100 mm (l) x 15 mm (h), demonstrating minor material fatigue to the case, in extremely fine condition.