Germany, Third Reich. A Mine Rescue Service Medal, Type III
(Grubenwehr-Ehrenzeichen 3. Form). Instituted 30 January 1938. (1938-1945 issue). Constructed of silvered tombak, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, the obverse bearing a raised and crossed hammer and mallet, overlaid by a German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, the reverse bearing a raised inscription of “FÜR VERDIENSTE IM GRUBEN-WEHRWESEN” (“FOR MERIT IN MINE RESCUE”), unmarked, measuring 35.35 mm in diameter, weighing 23.1 grams (inclusive of ribbon), demonstrating moderate loss of silver finish, in near extremely fine condition.

