German Cross in Silver by 20

German WWII > Awards and Medals > War Merit Series > German Cross in Silver

Deutsches Kreuz in Silber by 20 - C. F. Zimmermann of Pforzheim. Instituted September 28, 1941, the German Cross in Silver was awarded to military and non-military personnel, who held the 1st Class War Merit Cross with Swords, to recognize distinguished service in the execution of the war effort. It is constructed out of a die struck, five-piece construction, with a; cupal base, white aluminum core, silver washed tombak wreath and 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 surrounded by a silvered tombak laurel leaf and ribbon wreath that is marked “1941” to the bottom and lies on a red enamel base. This is all on a two-piece backend and silvered eight-point sunburst pattern backing. The fullback reverse correctly shows; four hollow rivets, a soldered-on oval plate flatwire catch, soldered-on oval plate sheet metal hinge and a solid tapered long pin which is PKZ maker marked “20” to the underside. The enamel and silvering are gorgeous! Nice patina. It measures 2 1/2 inches wide and tall. There were approximately 25,000 Gold German Crosses awarded and only 2,500 Silver. A rare and beautiful award.