Cross of Honor of the German Mother (Ehrenkreuz der deutschen Mutter) First Class in Gold with Original Ribbon
SKU: 899
Original/Reproduction: Original
Availability: In-stock
Manufacturer: N/A
Date Manufactured: 1940's
Materials / Construction: Gold-layered bronze, blue, white, and black enamels
Pattern: Gold Grade
Measurements (approximate): - 37 x 44mm - 14.5 grams w/ribbon
Condition: Excellent
Price: $145.00
Seller Type: WW2C
Seller ID: JMW
Return Policy: 3-day inspection and return policy on used guns and accessories.
Description
This Original Third Reich Cross of Honor of the German Mother (Ehrenkreuz der Deutschen Mutter), First Class in Gold, complete with its original blue-and-white neck ribbon and preserved in excellent condition. Commonly known among collectors as the German Mother’s Cross in Gold or Gold Mother’s Cross, this is the highest grade of this distinctive German civil decoration.
Cross of Honor of the German Mother
The Ehrenkreuz der Deutschen Mutter was instituted on December 16, 1938, as a state decoration intended to recognize German mothers of large families under the racial and social policies of the National Socialist regime. The first awards were presented in 1939.
The decoration was issued in three classes according to the number of qualifying children:
- Third Class in Bronze – awarded for four or five children
- Second Class in Silver – awarded for six or seven children
- First Class in Gold – awarded for eight or more children
As the highest grade, the First Class in Gold is especially desirable to collectors seeking a representative example of the complete Mother’s Cross series.
Design and Construction
The medal features the characteristic elongated cross form with blue enamel arms bordered in white enamel, surrounded by a gold-finished framework. Between the arms are stylized rays, giving the decoration its distinctive sunburst appearance.
At the center is a circular white enamel medallion displaying a black swastika, surrounded by the inscription:
“DER DEUTSCHEN MUTTER”
(To the German Mother)
The reverse carries the institution date:
“16. Dezember 1938”
along with the facsimile signature of Adolf Hitler, a standard feature of original period-issued examples.
The cross is suspended from its original long blue-and-white striped ribbon, designed so that the decoration could be worn around the recipient’s neck on designated occasions.
Condition
This example remains in excellent overall condition, displaying strong original presentation and attractive period character. The gold-colored finish presents very well, while the enamel work remains bright and visually striking. The original ribbon is an important complement to the medal and considerably enhances the completeness and collector appeal of the set.
Any minor age-related characteristics are consistent with an authentic period decoration and do not detract from its overall appearance.
Historical & Collector Significance
The Mother’s Cross represents a recognizable category of Third Reich-era German civilian awards and provides a tangible artifact for studying the regime’s demographic, family, and racial policies. Unlike military decorations awarded for battlefield service, the Ehrenkreuz der Deutschen Mutter was part of the Nazi government’s broader system of civilian recognition and propaganda.
The Gold First Class represents the highest of the three grades and makes an excellent addition to an advanced collection of German civil decorations, medals, awards, home-front material, or Second World War historical artifacts.
Highlights
- Original Third Reich period German decoration
- Cross of Honor of the German Mother
- German designation: Ehrenkreuz der Deutschen Mutter
- First Class – Gold Grade
- Highest of the three Mother’s Cross classes
- Awarded historically for eight or more qualifying children
- Distinctive blue and white enamel construction
- Central “DER DEUTSCHEN MUTTER” medallion
- Reverse dated 16. Dezember 1938
- Facsimile Adolf Hitler signature on reverse
- Complete with original blue-and-white neck ribbon
- Excellent condition
- Desirable example of an original German civilian award from the Third Reich period
A particularly attractive and well-preserved example of the Original German Ehrenkreuz der Deutschen Mutter First Class in Gold made even more desirable by the presence of its original ribbon. An excellent addition to a collection of authentic WWII German medals, civilian awards, and historically significant Third Reich memorabilia.
