Germany Empire 1918 Honour cross of WWI (Hindenburg cross) MEDAL with ribbon

Germany Empire 1918 Honour cross of WWI (Hindenburg cross) MEDAL with ribbon

SKU:
1312
€45.00
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Description

Germany Empire 1918 Honour of WWI (Hindenburg cross) MEDAL

AE. 37,54 mm. 15.11 g. XF +

A very nice authentic WW1 Honour Cross 1914 – 1918 other known as Hindenburg Cross 1914 – 1918 for combatants with makers mark on reverse “O&B” with original ribbon in xf condition.

Honour Cross 1914 – 1918

The Honour Cross 1914 – 1918 is also known as the Hindenburg Cross was a general service medal, recognising service during the First World War. Three classifications were instituted as one of the last acts of President Hindenburg on 13 July 1934. These crosses are easily the most common German decoration of the First World War – by 15 November 1936, more than 8 million were already issued. The crosses and ribbons were derived from the 1870-71 War Commemorative Medal (a Prussian award), using the same ribbons and very similar designs.

The reverse of all crosses is plain (except in most cases for a maker’s mark) and the obverse is nearly identical. Awarded in three categories:

  • Cross for Frontline Service (or Combatants Cross) – as per this example – is bronzed with crossed swords between the cross’s arms. The Imperial-era colours of black, white and red were deliberately used for the ribbon, rather than the black, red, gold of the Weimar Republic.   The Combatants Cross was awarded to all who had served in a battle or a siege to all arms and over 6,202,883 combatant crosses were distributed.   Awards to military personnel still on active duty are not included in these figures and awards continued until 1944, so the total number is much higher.