(Wehrmacht Abzeichen und Papiere). This is an extensive collection of medals and documents belonging to Anton Reich, including:
A 1939 Iron Cross Second Class (Eisernes Kreuz 1939 II. Klasse), reinstituted 1 September 1939, (1939-1945 issue), A Cross Pattée of multi-piece construction, on loop for suspension from its period correct replacement ribbon, with a blackened magnetic iron core within a ribbed silver border, the obverse with a raised central mobile swastika with the re-institution date “1939” in raised numbering on the lower arm, the reverse with an initial institution date of “1813” on the lower arm, unmarked, measuring 44.09 mm (w) x 47.99 mm (h), weighing 18.2 grams, accompanied by its period original certificate of issue, dates 30 October 1941, measuring 140 mm (w) x 200 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.
An Eastern Front Medal (Medaille Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42), constructed of zink, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, the obverse with a central Wehrmacht-style eagle clutching a swastika, the reverse with raised inscription “WINTERSCHLACHT IM OSTEN 1941/42” above a crossed sword and laurel branch, topped by a Stahlhelm (Steel Helmet) and stick grenade, maker marked on loop “76” for Ernst L. Müller, Pforzheim, measuring 36.26 mm (w) x 44.20 mm (h), weighing 19.1, accompanied by its period original certificate of issue, dated 1 September 1942, measuring 140 mm (w) x 200 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.
A West Wall Medal (Deutsche Schutzwall-Ehrenzeichen), constructed of bronze, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, the obverse consisting of a raised pillbox topped by a crossed sword and shovel and a Wehrmacht-style German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, inside of an oval oak leaf wreath, the reverse with an inscription of “FÜR ARBEIT ZUM SCHUTZE DEUTSCHLANDS” (“FOR WORK IN GERMANY’S DEFENCE”), unmarked, measuring 32.90 mm (w) x 45.15 mm (h), weighing 20.0 grams, accompanied by its period original certificate of issue, dated 27 March 1940, measuring 148 mm (w) x 210 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.
An Anschluss Commemorative Medal (Die Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 13. März 1938), constructed of silvered bronze, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, the obverse with two figures, one of which is clutching a flag and the other breaking a chain, on top of a Wehrmacht-style German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, the reverse with a central inscription of “13. März 1938”, circumscribed by inscription of “EIN VOLK, EIN REICH, EIN FÜHRER” (“ONE PEOPLE, ONE NATION, ONE LEADER”), measuring 32.25 mm in diameter, weighing 16.9 grams, in extremely fine condition.
A War Merit Cross, Second Class with Swords (Kriegsverdienstkreuz II. Klasse mit Schwertern), constructed of bronze, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, the obverse with a central wreathed mobile swastika, the reverse with a wreathed date of “1939”, with crossed swords piercing the centre, unmarked, measuring 49.38 mm (w) x 49.91 (h), weighing 20.1 grams, accompanied by its period original certificate of issue, dated 27 February 1943, measuring 143 mm (w) x 205 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.
A Wehrmacht 4-Year Long Service Medal (Wehrmacht Dienstauszeichnung), constructed of silvered magnetic metal, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, the obverse with a raised Wehrmacht-style German national eagle clutching a mobile swastika circumscribed by inscription “TREUE DIENSTE IN DER WEHRMACHT” (“FAITHFUL SERVICE IN THE WEHRMACHT”), the reverse with a raised number “4” inside an oak leaf wreath, unmarked, measuring 30.00 mm in diameter, weighing 12.2 grams, in extremely fine condition.
A Romanian Crusade Against Communism Medal with Caucasus Clasp (Kreuzzug gegen den Kommunismus mit Spange Kaukasus), constructed of bronze, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, the obverse with a central hand clutching a sword and date of “1941”, circumscribed by inscription “CRUCIADA IMPOTRIVA COMUNISMULUI” (“CRUSADE AGAINST COMMUNISM”), the reverse with raised leftward-facing female profile with inscription “ROMÂNIA RECUNOSCĂTOARE” (“ROMANIA IS GRATEFUL”), measuring 31.94 mm in diameter, weighing 16.5 grams, accompanied by its period original certificate of issue, dated 20 November 1943, measuring 210 mm (w) x 148 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.
A Romanian Medal for Manhood and Loyalty, First Class (Medaille für Mannhaftigkeit und Treue I. Klasse), constructed of gilded zink, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, the obverse with a raised leftward-facing profile of King Carol I circumscribed by name and title, the reverse with inscription of “Bărbăție și Credință” (“Manhood and Loyalty”) above a laurel branch, unmarked, measuring 34.95 mm (w) x 47.00 mm (h), weighing 16.2 grams, accompanied by its period original handwritten certificate of issue, dated 14 April 1944, measuring 210 mm (w) x 147 mm (h), in near extremely fine condition.
A Bulgarian Bravery Medal, II Class (Bulgarische Soldatenkreuz der Tapferkeitsordens II. Klasse), constructed of silvered bronze, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, consisting of a Maltese Cross, the obverse with a central medallion bearing a lion rampant circumscribed by Cyrillic inscription “ЗА ХРАБРОСТ” (“FOR BRAVERY”) and a date of “1941”, the reverse with a similar medallion depicting a central royal monogram circumscribed by Cyrillic inscription “КНЯЗЬ НА БЪЛГАРИЯ” (“KINGDOM OF BULGARIA”) and date of “1879”, with crossed swords piercing the centre of the cross, unmarked, measuring 34.56 mm (w) x 37.87 mm (h), weighing 12.9 grams, accompanied by its period original certificate of issue, dated 15 November 1942, measuring 211 mm (w) x 148 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.
An Honour Cross of the German Mother, Silver Grade (Ehrenkreuz der Deutschen Mutter in Silber), constructed of silvered bronze with multi-coloured enamels, sun rays emanating between the arms of a Latin Cross from the centre applique, central medallion depicting a black enameled swastika ringed by a raised inscription of “DER DEUTSCHEN MUTTER” (“The German Mother”), on loop with period original ribbon, reverse inscribed with institution date of “16 Dezember 1938” and facsimile of the Führer and Reichskanzler, unmarked, measuring 35.53 mm (w) x 45.77 mm (h), weighing 14.3 grams (inclusive of ribbon), in extremely fine condition.
An undated newspaper clipping congratulation Reich on the receipt of his Iron Cross Second Class and describing his combat record in Poland, France, and Yugoslavia, measuring 112 mm (w) x 174 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.
A map depicting the progression of the 4th Mountain Division (4. Gebirgs Division) across Europe during the war, constructed of two glossed photographs that have been taped together on the reverse, measuring 305 mm (w) x 195 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.
A German League of the Reich for Physical Exercise (Deutscher Reichsbund für Leibesübungen) achievement book, with certificate of issue for a DRL Sports Badge, Bronze Grade, awarded on 22 May 1939, with 16 pages, measuring 148 mm (w) x 208 mm (h), in near extremely fine condition.
A signed statement from from Ignaz Klare affirming that he served alongside Reich during the war, dated 25 August 1956, measuring 211 mm (w) x 152 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.
Footnote: Anton Reich was born on 25 February 1910 and served with Gebirgs Jäger Regiment 91 (Mountain Troops) for the duration of the war, seeing combat primarily on the Eastern Front. He survived the war and was approved for a military pension in 1956.