Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse Award Certificate – Hamburg, 1942

ffered here is an original 1942 award certificate for the Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse (War Merit Cross, 2nd Class), awarded to Eberhard Thost in Hamburg. The certificate is dated Berlin, 30 January 1942 and formally records the award im Namen des Deutschen Volkes.

The recipient is specifically described as “dem Teilhaber Eberhard Thost in Hamburg”, making this an interesting example of the award documentation issued to a civilian participant rather than a conventional Wehrmacht award document.

The document features the striking official design with the large eagle and swastika emblem at the top, together with the large embossed official seal at the lower left. Beneath the award date are the printed/facsimile signatures of Adolf Hitler and Dr. Otto Meissner, giving the certificate its characteristic official presentation.

The relatively early date of 30 January 1942 is particularly attractive, placing the award during the early years of the Second World War. The named Hamburg recipient also provides an opportunity for further research into Eberhard Thost and the circumstances behind his receipt of the Kriegsverdienstkreuz.

The certificate remains in original period condition, with light age toning, minor foxing/discoloration and handling marks. The embossed seal remains clearly visible and the signatures are well preserved.