Honor Cross of WWI - Next-of-Kin

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Ehrenkreuz für die hinterbliebenen Witwen und Eltern gefallener Kriegsteilnehmer – ohne Schwerter by G9. Instituted July 13, 1934, the Honor Cross of the First World War - Survivors Cross was awarded to widows and parents of those who died, went missing in war or were in captivity were considered survivors. Women whose marriage took place before December 31, 1918 were considered widows. The parents also included stepparents and adoptive parents. It is constructed out of a die struck steel base that has been blackened. The obverse features; a pattée style cross that has a centrally placed “1914 1918” surrounded by an oak leaf wreath, that is open at the top and tied together at the bottom with a ribbon. The full back reverse reads “G.9” (remains an unknown maker). The top has an integral bent over loop and ring which holds 5 inches of red, black and white rayon ribbon. There is a safety pin to the top. The award measures 1 7/16 inches square. A rarer variant.