Germany, Third Reich. A Civil Service Special Grade 50-Year Long Service Cross

(Treudienst-Ehrenzeichen Sonderstufe für 50 Jahre). Instituted 30 January 1938. (1938-1945 issue). Constructed of gilded and silvered bronze, 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 swastika, the 12 o’clock arm bearing a raised number “50”, the reverse bearing a central raised inscription of “FÜR TREUE DIENSTE” (“FOR FAITHFUL SERVICE”), unmarked, measuring 41.30 mm (w) x 46.28 mm (h), weighing 21.3 grams (inclusive of ribbon), in extremely fine condition.