Bronzed iron cross pattée with crossed swords between the arms, on laterally-pierced loop for ribbon suspension; the face with the dates ‘1914 1918’ encircled by a wreath of laurel leaves; the reverse plain, signed ‘PSL’ for Paul Schulze & Co.of Lubeck; on possibly original age-faded ribbon for combatants.
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.
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