Germany, Third Reich. A Mint Civil Service 40-Year Faithful Service Award, by Deschler & Sohn Auction the obverse bearing a central

the obverse bearing a central silvered ship

A silver cross with blue and white enamels arms

The men endured near-daily bombardments and the continual threat of underground explosions from German mining operations beneath Hill 60

gilt wear and oxidation evident on the rays

10 kms away

Germany, Third Reich. A Mint Civil Service 40-Year Faithful Service Award, by Deschler & Sohn Auction the obverse bearing a central(Treudienst Ehrenzeichen I. Klasse fr 40 Jahre). Instituted 30 January 1938. (1938 1942 issue). Constructed of gilded bronze with enamels, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon with horizontal pinback, consisting of a Cross Patte with pebbled arms joined through the quadrants by a circular oak leaf wreath, the obverse bearing a central black enameled swastika, the reverse bearing a central inscription of FR TREUE DIENSTE (FOR FAITHFUL