Posted 13 years ago
Dr_Rambow
(88 items)
"Eurenkreuz des Weltkrieg" was made to commemorate those who fought (and died) during the Great War. Instituted on July 13th 1934 by President von Hindenburg, and as a result was known as a "Hindenburg Cross" forever after.
This is the combatant class for veterans. There are two other classes, the noncombatant which simply omits the swords, and the next-of-kin (given to mothers and widows), which is missing the swords and is finished in black.
Very neat piece that I was excited to find over the weekend.
The wreath is also different on the noncombatant and next of kin versions.
Thanks everyone! Yeah, I realized that after I had posted this. Oak leaves (important German symbol) instead of laurel leaves on the non-combatant and next of kin.
The crosses exist in bronze and bronze plated steel which is magnet. The crosses are so common that many collect them by maker. A list of makers marks is on the Wehrmacht Awards site.
Ah yes, it is magnetic. I don't usually buy militeria on line (scared of fakes), so I try to buy exclusively in person. Yeah, like many German awards (EKIIs, both 1914 and '39) these were made by the millions. That being said, I really don't see many where I live, so it's still exciting for me to find this kind of thing. Sill looking for non-combatant and NOK, so I'll be busy for a while. Thanks again!