Germany, Third Reich. An Honour Cross of the German Mother, Bronze Grade, by Maria Schenkl

(Ehrenkreuz der Deutschen Mutter in Bronze). Constructed of bronze with multi-coloured enamels, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, consisting of a Latin Cross, the obverse with blue and white enameled arms, with a central white enameled disc bearing a black swastika, circumscribed by an inscription of “DER DEUTSCHEN MUTTER” (“TO THE GERMAN MOTHER”), the reverse with an engraved institution date of “16. DEZEMBER 1938” and a signature of the Führer, unmarked, measuring 36 mm (w) x 46 mm (h), accompanied by its period original package of issues, constructed of light brown paper stock, the exterior bearing an inscription of “EHRENKREUZ DER DEUTSCHEN MUTTER, DRITTE STUFE” (“HONOUR CROSS OF THE GERMAN MOTHER, THIRD GRADE”) and a maker’s mark of “MARIA SCHENKL, WIEN”, measuring 105 mm (w) x 110 mm (h), with material fatigue evident to the package, in overall near extremely fine condition.