WW1 GERMANY WAR HONOUR CROSS WITH SWORDS

Bronzed iron cross pattée with crossed swords between the arms, on laterally-pierced ribbed loop for ribbon suspension; the face with the dates ‘1914 1918’ encircled by a wreath of laurel leaves; the reverse plain; on correct combatant’s ribbon.

The Cross was instituted on 13 July 1934 by President Field Marshal Paul von Beneckendorff und von Hindenburg and is often referred to as the ‘Hindenburg Cross’. There were three versions - for combatants, non-combatants and next of kin - the latter being awarded to the widows and parents of those who died during the conflict. Designed by Eugene Godet, this was the first and only commemorative medal issued by the Third Reich. As the 1930s progressed, so more ethnic Germans were incorporated into the Reich and deemed eligible for the award. After the Anchluss (union) of Austria with Germany in 1938, Austrian citizens who qualified could apply for the cross. This example came from Austria.