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Original German state civil award 2nd Class, instituted to honor 25 years of loyal and impeccable service within the public sector and state administration. The displayed set comprises a finely crafted Maltese cross featuring its factory-applied silver plating, with a circular oak leaf wreath detailed with distinct structural leaves resting across its arms. Positioned in the central field of the obverse is a layered, solid swastika made from black hot enamel, preserved in pristine condition without any cracks or damage. The cross hangs from its authentic, wide suspension ribbon showcasing a deep cornflower blue tone. The decoration rests inside its factory two-piece presentation case covered in a red leatherette textured finish. Inside the upper lid, the complete original paper manufacturer label remains intact, showcasing a crisp black printed stamp from the renowned metal refinery: Gold- u. Silber-Scheideanstalt Oberstein Franz Reischauer. The entire ensemble has survived in excellent collector's condition, showing only minor storage wear on the box corners, serving as a textbook example of high-end German civil service faleristics from the late 1930s.
Historical context:
The Faithful Service Cross was officially instituted by decree on January 30, 1938, marking the fifth anniversary of the regime's accession to power, to reward long-standing employees of civil structures, railways, postal services, and public institutions. The aesthetic design of the entire decoration was drafted by the prominent Munich artist Richard Klein. The presented silver grade was granted for a quarter-century of continuous administrative tenure. Serial production of these medals was restricted exclusively to selected and licensed jewelers across the country. The minting firm of Franz Reischauer, operating in the famous gem and metal processing district of Idar-Oberstein, was one of the leading suppliers of these state decorations, making the presence of their genuine paper insert inside the box a vital factor that elevates both the market value and historical authenticity for collectors today.