Mother’s Cross in Gold (Ehrenkreuz der Deutschen Mutter in Gold) in Case – A. Rettenmaier, Schwäb. Gmünd

An excellent and increasingly scarce German WWII Mother’s Cross (Ehrenkreuz der Deutschen Mutter) in Gold (1st Class), complete with its original presentation case by the prestigious manufacturer A. Rettenmaier, Schwäb. Gmünd.

The cross retains a beautiful original gilt finish with vibrant deep blue translucent enamel and crisp white enamel borders. The central medallion remains exceptionally well preserved, displaying the inscription “DER DEUTSCHEN MUTTER” surrounding the black swastika. The reverse features the standard inscription “16. Dezember 1938” together with Adolf Hitler’s facsimile signature, as found on period-produced examples. The award is complete with its original full-length neck ribbon.

Included is the original purple leatherette presentation case, embossed on the lid with the gilt Mother’s Cross emblem. The satin-lined interior is clearly printed “A. Rettenmaier, Schwäb. Gmünd”, identifying one of Germany’s foremost manufacturers of military and civilian decorations during the Third Reich period. Named Zimmermann cases are highly sought after by collectors due to the firm’s reputation for exceptional production quality.

The Ehrenkreuz der Deutschen Mutter (Mother’s Cross) was instituted on 16 December 1938 to recognize German mothers who had borne and raised large families. The Gold Grade (1st Class) represented the highest class of the award and was bestowed upon mothers with eight or more children, making it considerably scarcer than the Bronze and Silver grades.

This example displays beautifully, retaining outstanding original finish with excellent enamel and strong gilt throughout. The ribbon remains complete and attractive, showing only light age-related wear. The original presentation case is structurally sound with a fully legible maker’s imprint, functioning push-button closure, and honest signs of age consistent with wartime storage.

Condition: Excellent original condition. The cross retains vibrant enamel, crisp gilt finish, and sharp details throughout. The original full-length ribbon is complete with minor age-related wear. The presentation case is in very good condition with light exterior wear, a clean interior displaying the  A. Rettenmaier, Schwäb. Gmünd maker’s mark, and a fully functional push-button closure.