A War Merit Cross 2nd Class with Swords certificate to Zollassistent (customs assistant) Bernhard Laux, dated to Berlin on 1 September 1941. It carries a facsimile signature of Generalfeldmarschall von Brauchitsch and is signed in blue ink by General Bodewin Keitel (1888-1953), a recipient of the German Cross in Silver. Measuring 147 mm (w) x 210 mm (h), presenting a folding crease and light scuffing of the edges, remains near very fine.
The accompanying letter, sent by the Oberfinanzpräsident (senior president of finances) in Saarbrücken, dated to 8 September 1941. Measuring 209 mm (w) x 148 mm (h), presenting a folding crease, and light scuffing and fraying of the edges, remains better than fine.
A studio portrait of Laux in an NCO rank uniform. Measuring 86 mm (w) x 136 mm (h), presenting light warping, remains near mint.

