German Cross

German Cross
In our German Cross category, discover an exclusive selection of original German Cross and historical decorations from World War II. The German Cross, also known as the War Order of the German Cross, was established on September 28, 1941, by Adolf Hitler for the Wehrmacht. It served as an award for soldiers who already possessed the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class and demonstrated exceptional bravery in combat, but did not yet meet the criteria for the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross or the Knight's Cross of the War Merit Cross. Prerequisite was ownership of the Iron Cross 1st Class or the War Merit Cross 1st Class with Swords. Interestingly, the German Cross in Gold was not considered an intermediate award, so even Knight's Cross holders could receive it.

There were two variants: the German Cross in Gold (for bravery in combat, approx. 24,300 awards) and the German Cross in Silver (for merits in warfare, approx. 1,100 awards). In 1942, a cloth version was approved, mounted on different fabric bases depending on the branch of service. A special variant with diamonds was intended for personal award by Hitler but was never bestowed – only 20 examples are known, taken as war booty to the USA. The design, created by Prof. Klein from Munich, features an eight-pointed star with a central round medallion, a gray-black rayed crown with silver tips, and a reverse with a vertical pin and four hollow rivets. Due to material shortages, heavier variants with higher copper content were produced. Manufacturer markings such as numbers 1, 2, 20, 21, or 134 are stamped on the reverse, typically on the pin. The front presents a prominent swastika surrounded by a laurel wreath, while the back shows detailed craftsmanship. Our collection includes rare pieces that reflect the development and symbolism of this decoration.

Purchase and Consignment Sales:
As specialists in military antiques, we are not only interested in sales but also offer the purchase of German Cross and consignment sales of historical decorations. Let us professionally evaluate and securely market your original German Cross collector items.