RARE CASED WW2 GERMAN CROSS IN GOLD BY C. F. ZIMMERMANN PFORZHEIM

Offered is an exceptional quality WW2 German Cross in Gold, by C F Zimmermann of Pforzheim. 62.9mm wide cross, weighing in at 45.4g this near mint  cross features a multi piece, slightly convex, die struck, tombac and alloy construction badge with black and red enamel work. The cross features a double, overlaid, eight point, sunburst pattern with the top sunburst layer retaining about 100% of its original black finish. The bottom sunburst layer retains about 100% of its original silver finish with light patina. The centre of the sunburst pattern has a separate, silver washed, circular panel with a raised, canted, 21mm wide black enamelled swastika encompassed by an embossed, gilt washed, circular, stamped alloy, laurel leaf wreath with the impressed introduction date, "1941", to the bottom on a red enamel base. The red enamel base is visible as a fine outline to either side of the wreath. The swastika enamel is spotless, undamaged and one of the finest condition pieces we’ve yet seen. Reverse features four domed hollow rivets to patinated silver washed base, showing only very light wear, if any. Soldered barrel type recessed hinge on a rounded corner rectangular base plate, heavy broad tapered pin and heavy soldered catch all intact. Reverse of pin with deeply impressed manufacturer's numerical code, "20", indicating manufacture by C.F. Zimmermann of Pforzheim. The cross comes in it’s original black leatherette award case, showing slight movement divots to cross arm points of the felt covered card base, with a slight shadow impression to top interior cream silken interior lining. The spring hinge buttons works correctly and the gold finished border line is still present to outer top lid. All in all an impressive award piece, rating to near perfection.

The German Cross (Deutsches Kreuz) was instituted by Adolf Hitler on 28 September 1941. It was awarded in two divisions: gold for repeated acts of bravery or achievement in combat; and silver for distinguished non-combat war service. The German Cross in Gold ranked higher than the Iron Cross First Class but below the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, while the German Cross in Silver ranked higher than the War Merit Cross First Class with Swords but below the Knight's Cross of the War Merit Cross with Swords. The German Cross was issued in two versions: gold and silver (the colour of the laurel wreath around the swastika), the former being an award for repeated acts of bravery or repeated outstanding achievements in combat, the latter being for multiple distinguished services in war efforts and was considered a continuation of the War Merit Cross with swords. The German Cross was unique in that the gold and silver divisions were considered as separate awards but were not to be worn simultaneously.