Ehrenkreuz der Deutschen Mutter 3rd Class (Bronze) – Elmshorn, 1939

Offered here is an original 1939 award certificate for the Ehrenkreuz der Deutschen Mutter (Mother’s Cross), 3rd Class in Bronze, awarded to Frau Helene Schlüter, geb. Rohder, in Elmshorn. The certificate is dated Berlin, 1 October 1939 and formally records the award of the dritte Stufe des Ehrenkreuzes der Deutschen Mutter.

The certificate is printed in the characteristic formal Gothic typeface and bears the large embossed state seal at the lower left. Beneath the title and award wording are the printed/facsimile signatures of Adolf Hitler and Dr. Otto Meissner, giving the document the familiar official appearance of Mother’s Cross award certificates.

The Third Class in Bronze represented the basic grade of the Ehrenkreuz der Deutschen Mutter and was awarded to eligible mothers of large families. The document is particularly attractive because it is fully named, giving both Helene Schlüter’s maiden name, geb. Rohder, and her place of residence, Elmshorn. The relatively early date of 1 October 1939, only shortly after the beginning of the Second World War, is another desirable feature for collectors of period award documentation.

The certificate remains in original condition, with normal age-related toning, light foxing/discoloration and handling wear. The embossed seal remains clearly visible, and the overall appearance is very good for an original document of this age.

A very attractive and completely original piece of German award documentation, combining a named recipient, early 1939 wartime date and striking official presentation. An excellent addition to a collection of Third Reich awards, Mother’s Cross material, German social-history documents or original period certificates.