Cased German Cross in Gold by 20

German WWII > Awards and Medals > Iron Cross Series > German Cross in Gold

A Deutsches Kreuz in Gold im Etui by “20” - C.F. Zimmermann of Pforzheim. Instituted September 28, 1941, the Gold German Cross was awarded to military personnel to recognize repeated acts (6-8) of bravery or exceptional command in combat. It is constructed out of a die struck, five-piece construction, made of a; light cupal base, white aluminum core, gold gilded tombak wreath, and contains red and black enamel work. The obverse features a large centrally placed raised black enamel mobile swastika, on a smooth white/silver aluminum base, which is then surrounded by a gold gilded tombak laurel leaf and ribbon wreath that is marked “1941” to the bottom and lies on a red enamel base. This all lies on a two-piece backend and silvered eight-point sunburst pattern backing. The fullback reverse correctly shows; four hollow dome rivets, a soldered-on oval plate c-shaped catch, soldered-on rectangular plate sheet metal hinge, and a solid tapered flatwire pin. To the underside of the pin, it is PKZ marked: “20”. Nice age patina and crisp detail. Correct die flaws. It measures 2 1/2 inches wide and tall. The award comes housed in its appropriate issue case. The case is constructed out of a wood and pressed cardboard base that is covered in a simulated grained black leatherette. The exterior edge shows a pressed gold foil line. To the front is a round steel spring loaded closure button. To the back is steel bar hinge. Both continue to work well. The interior top lid is lined in pearl white satin and has an underlying pad. The bottom interior of the case is constructed out of a pressed cardboard base that has been covered in a spay on black fibrous felt and outlines the pin hinge and catch assembly. The case shows age and scuffs throughout. It measures 4 3/16 inches wide by 4 3/16 inches deep by 1 1/16 inches thick. The German Cross is known by collectors today to be one of, if not the most, stunning and desirable award to have in their collection.