Cased German Cross in Gold Maker Marked 134

The War Order of the German Cross, normally abbreviated to the German Cross or Deutsches Kreuz, was instituted by Adolf Hitler on 28 September 1941. It was awarded in two divisions: in gold for repeated acts of bravery or military leadership and in silver for distinguished non-combat war service. The German Cross in Gold ranked higher than the Iron Cross First Class but below the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross, while the German Cross in Silver ranked higher than the War Merit Cross First Class with Swords but below the Knight’s Cross of the War Merit Cross with Swords. There were approximately 26,000 recipients of the German Cross in Gold, and 2,500 recipients of the German Cross in Silver.

This is a five piece, die struck construction badge with black and red enamel work. The cross features a double, overlaid, eight point, sunburst pattern with the top sunburst layer. The center of the sunburst pattern has a separate silver washed, circular panel with a raised, black enameled swastika encompassed by an embossed, fire gilted, stamped alloy laurel leaf wreath with the impressed introduction date, “1941”, to the bottom on a red enamel base. The solid reverse features four retaining rivets, a soldered barrel type hinge on a base plate inset in a recess. A heavy pin and a heavy soldered catch. The reverse is well marked with the impressed manufacturer’s numerical code “134” indicating manufacture by “Otto Klein”. The cross weight is about 45g. The cross is in very good condition with intact enamel. There is a very nice age patina all over.

The cross comes with it’s original case of issue. The black leatherette case in good condition with some light shafe wear to the edges. There is one piece missing from the laquered top. Nothing major, see pictures. The inside to the case, fine with the white silk lid lining. The base showing just light wear from the cross, leaving a nice “ghost mark”. The silk lined top also shows a nice cross “ghost”.

A rare and complete set in good condition!!