Germany, Third Reich. A Mixed Lot of Decorations

(Auszeichnungen). A mixed lot of six decorations, including:

1 A War Merit Cross II Class, constructed of bronze, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, consisting of a Maltese Cross with pebbled arms, the obverse bearing a central wreathed mobile swastika, the reverse bearing a central wreathed date of “1939”, the suspension loop maker marked with Präsidialkanzlei code “52” for Gottlieb & Wagner, Oberstein, measuring 48.63 mm (w) x 49.34 mm (h), weighing 18.1 grams, accompanied by its original package of issue, constructed of light brown paper stock, the exterior bearing an inscription of “KRIEGSVERDIENSTKREUZ 2. KLASSE OHNE SCHWERTER” and a maker’s mark of “GOTTLIEB & WAGNER, OBERSTEIN”, measuring 60 mm (w) x 110 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

2. An Eastern Front Medal, constructed of silvered and patinated zink, on loop for suspension, 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 suspension loop maker marked with Präsidialkanzlei code “60” for Katz & Deyle, Pforzheim, measuring 36.32 mm (w) x 44.50 mm (h), weighing 20.1 grams, demonstrating moderate loss of finish, in very fine condition.

3. An Ordnungspolizei Long Service Award, II Class for 18 Years, constructed of silvered bronze, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée with pebbled arms, the obverse bearing a central raised Ordnungspolizei insignia in the form of an oval oak leaf wreath, overlaid by a German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, the reverse bearing a central oval medallion overlaid by a raised inscription of “FÜR TREUE DIENSTE IN DER POLIZEI” (“FOR FAITHFUL SERVICE IN THE POLICE”), unmarked, measuring 43.33 mm (w) x 48.06 mm (h), weighing 23.9 grams, demonstrating minor loss of finish, in better than very fine condition.

4. A Blockade Runner Badge stick pin miniature, constructed of silvered and patinated bronze, unmarked, measuring 26 mm in diameter, in near extremely fine condition.

5. A Gau Essen Honour Badge, Gold Grade, constructed of gilded aluminum, the obverse consisting of a pair of crossed hammers bearing dates “1925-1935”, overlaid by a sword bearing a mobile swastika on the hilt, the reverse with a vertical pinback, maker marked “HOFFSTÄTTER, BONN”, measuring 32 mm (w) x 54 mm (h), demonstrating moderate loss of finish, in better than very fine condition.

6. A Reichsarbeitsdienst (Reich Labour Service/RAD) membership pin, constructed of bronze with multi-coloured enamels, the reverse bearing a Reichsleitungs des Reichsarbeitsdienstes (RLAD) logo, measuring 16 mm (w) x 22 mm (h), with minor flecking and tarnishing visible to the enamel and base metal, respectively, in near extremely fine condition.