Nice, clean example of the Army variety, with field grey backing cloth and paper reverse. The highest field gallantry award of the German armed forces in WW2, after the Knight's Cross, this award, along with the KC, could be issued to all ranks. The date 1941 is the institution date of the order.
The gold wreath signifies a field combat gallantry award, while the silver variety indicated high performance behind the lines. The Tank Corps awards had a black backing; the Navy had a dark blue; the Luftwaffe a blue-grey; and for summer uniforms there was an example with a white backing. A UV lamp test shows that the centre device is made of either silk or rayon, rather than modern synthetic material. There is a metal version of this, but, on the rare occasions an original is encountered, it is over GBP 1,000.
If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.
[Militaria : Medals : Third Reich : Wehrmacht]
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