German Cross, in Gold, in Cloth (Afrikakorps, Heer/Army)
CATEGORY: Version
SKU: 01.GTR.0401.101.08.005
Estimated market value:
Estimated market value:
Weighing 10.2 grams, with a width of 71mm and a height of 71mm, constructed of several elements such as silver, red, and black threading, as well as wiring. The gold wreath is in stamped tombac sheet metal and demonstrates the typical die flaw on the top of the "9" demonstrating a Juncker production. The 13 notches at the bottom of the shield are a further indication of Juncker. The reverse is covered in the typical thin, black paper as standard to this award. Importantly, the backing of the cross as well as the thread for the inner star is dark olive. This type of colour was used by the Army in Africa, as well as in other areas such as Southern Russia. This olive coloured backing should not be confused with the so call khaki-brown colour backing with was in use by the Luftwaffe in Africa. Near mint.
The War Order of the German Cross was instituted by Adolf Hitler on September 28, 1941. It was awarded to recognise the contributions of combat and noncombat military personnel who had previously received the 1939 I Class Iron Cross. The German Cross was technically not a part of the Order of the Iron Cross, it is considered to be a pseudo-member of the Order.
The German Cross in Gold was the combat class and it was awarded for actions that were deserving of an accolade higher than the I Class Iron Class but did not qualify an individual for a Knight’s Cross. As such, it filled the large gap between these two award grades. It should not, however, be considered a prerequisite for the Knight’s Cross, as many Knight’s Cross recipients only later received the German Cross.
The German Cross in Silver was the non-combat class and it had the same award criteria as combat class. The German Cross in Silver is much rarer than the Cross in Gold, as only about 2,500 Silver Crosses were awarded, while about 26,000 Gold Crosses were awarded.
The embroidered and cloth version of the cross was instituted to be worn during active combat service. The colour of the crosses' wool backing indicated which branch of the armed service the recipient served with.
Examples in cloth can be observed in three different models.
The first model is often, but not always, stamped “SH”, the logo of the maker, Hermann Schmuck & Cie., Weißenburg. This model features short outer silver thread rays made from two individual single strands.
The second model also often features a maker’s stamp, however in all observed examples it is blurred and damaged beyond recognition. Compared to the first model, the outer silver rays are longer, and they are made of several strains.
The third model is almost identical to the first model, however, the swastika has thinner arms. It often features the company name C. A. Westmann/Dresden on the reverse.
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