Germany - Imperial: Honour Cross 1914-1918 with Swords for Combatants, reverse bearing raised makers mark ‘Reichsverband Pforzheim 23’ for Reichsverband 23, Pforzheim. The number ’23’ is only partly visible, but as produced and owing to an error in the die. Bronze wash now all but completely faded to show zinc base.
Condition: bronze wash mostly gone, only Very Fine.
The Cross was instituted on 13th 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.
