Mother’s Cross in Gold (Ehrenkreuz der Deutschen Mutter in Gold) in Case – C. F. Zimmermann, Pforzheim
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 C. F. Zimmermann, Pforzheim.
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 “C. F. Zimmermann Pforzheim”, 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 C. F. Zimmermann, Pforzheim maker’s mark, and a fully functional push-button closure.
€125,00
In stock
In stock
Details
| Country | Germany (Third Reich) |
|---|---|
| Conflict | World War II |
Statement
Wolfgang Historica is a trusted seller with years of experience and consistently positive reviews. We are always interested in purchasing collections or unique objects and also offer a professional consignment service. Buy with confidence.
Historical Description
The Cross of Honour of the German Mother (Ehrenkreuz der Deutschen Mutter), commonly known as the Mutterkreuz (“Mother’s Cross”), was a state decoration introduced by the government of Nazi Germany to recognise mothers considered to have made exceptional contributions to the German nation through childbirth and child-rearing.
The decoration was instituted by decree on 16 December 1938 and awarded from 1939 until 1945. Eligibility was primarily granted to German citizens (Reichsdeutsche), and later extended to ethnic German women (Volksdeutsche) in incorporated territories such as Austria and the Sudetenland.
The award was issued in three classes based on the number of children raised:
- Bronze Class: 4–5 children
- Silver Class: 6–7 children
- Gold Class: 8 or more children
Recipients were selected according to strict eligibility criteria, intended to recognise women considered exemplary in motherhood and moral conduct.
The decoration was worn suspended from a narrow blue-and-white ribbon, typically measuring approximately 60–70 cm in length, and was worn on the neck. No alternative form of wear was permitted under the official regulations.
