Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse Award Doc – President of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce Kiel – Elmshorn, 1941

Offered here is an original 1941 award certificate for the Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse, awarded to Albert Malzahn, identified on the document as “Präsidenten der Industrie- und Handelskammer Kiel”, residing in Elmshorn. The certificate is dated Berlin, 1 September 1941 and formally records the award „Im Namen des Deutschen Volkes“.

Albert Malzahn is a particularly interesting recipient. Contemporary and historical records identify him as a leading economic official in Schleswig-Holstein: he served as Gauwirtschaftsberater in Schleswig-Holstein from 1932 until 1940 and was President of the Industrie- und Handelskammer Kiel from 1938 until 1943. He was also a managing director in Elmshorn and chairman of the Landesbank der Provinz Schleswig-Holstein. The official history of the IHK Schleswig-Holstein likewise lists Direktor Albert Malzahn as its president from 1938 to 1943.

This background makes the certificate particularly interesting from a German economic and administrative history perspective. The Kriegsverdienstkreuz was awarded for services connected with the German war effort outside direct combat, and Malzahn’s senior position within the Schleswig-Holstein commercial and economic administration provides important context for why he received the decoration.

The certificate itself is an impressive original document, featuring the large eagle and swastika emblem at the top, the official embossed seal and the printed/facsimile signatures of Adolf Hitler and Dr. Otto Meissner. The combination of the formal award design and the clearly identified senior economic official makes this a particularly desirable piece of original civilian award documentation.

The document remains in original period condition, with a pronounced horizontal fold across the centre, light age toning and minor foxing/discoloration. The embossed seal remains visible and the printed details and signatures are well preserved.