Cased Mothers Cross in Gold by Zimmermann

German WWII > Awards and Medals > Political and Civil > Mother's Cross

A Ehrenkreuz der Deutschen Mutter 1. Stufe in Gold mit Etui by C.F. Zimmermann of Pforzheim. Introduced by December 16th 1938, The Honor Cross of the German Mother was awarded to mothers for exceptional merit to the German nation, who conceived and raised eight or more children and exhibited probity, exemplary motherhood. It is a two piece construction, made out of die struck tombak that has been gold gilded and includes blue (translucent), black and white enamel work that has been finished in a protective lacquer coating. The obverse is in the form of a Christian cross and depicts; a centrally place static swastika, that is surrounded by “Der Deutschen Mutter” (The German Mother) and is in front of a sunburst pattern. The reverse shows a flat back with a recessed: “16. December 1938” and two styles of Hitlers facsimile signatures. The enamel work is in practically perfect shape, being 99%+ intact. If you turn the cross in the light you can see different shades of blue and the gold gilt is beautiful! The cross measures 1 13/16 inches tall by 1 7/16 inches wide. It also comes with approximately 28 3/4 inches of original folded blue and white rayon ribbon. The cross sits perfectly within its appropriate case. The case is constructed out of a wood and press cardboard base that has been covered with blue simulated leather. The interior of the top lid of the case is lined in white satin and has an underlying pad. It is also maker marked: “C.F. Zimmermann Pforzheim”. The bottom interior of the case is made of a white felt covered cardboard. The gilded cross to the top of the case looks excellent. The closure button and hinge work well! The exterior shows the odd scuff throughout. The case measures approximately 4 ½ inches long by 2 inches wide by 11/16 of an inch thick. An overall great piece!