Product Details
C. F. ZIMMERMANN, PFORZHEIM,
A FINE, BOXED GERMAN CROSS IN GOLD GALLANTRY AWARD,
circa 1943, of usual construction with silver-plated star-burst backing-plate attached to the central black-enamelled swastika and gold wreath surround by four rivets, substantial broad hinged-pin fixing to reverse stamped with the maker mark '20', the whole remaining in fine order TOGETHER WITH its original black leatherette box of issue with a lining of black flock and white silk
Provenance: The German Cross in Gold was designed by Professor Richard Klein (see Lot 362 in this sale) and instituted by Adolf Hitler on 16 November 1941 as an award ranking higher than the Iron Cross First Class but below the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. The German Cross was issued in two degrees: Gold and Silver (the colour of the laurel wreath around the swastika), the former being an award for bravery, the latter being for distinguished service and was considered a continuation of the War Merit Cross with swords. The German Cross was unique in that the Gold and Silver degrees were considered as separate awards but should not be worn simultaneously. However, pictures of recipients wearing both grades exist. There are a total of 11 recorded instances of a recipient receiving both the German Cross in Silver and Gold during the war. The medal consists of a star badge, containing a swastika (in German, Hakenkreuz, "hooked cross", which gives the award its name, the "German cross"). It was worn on the right hand pocket of the tunic. Just over 26,000 awards of the Gold variety were made up to 1945 when hostilities ceased
Estimate £1,000-1,500