Germany, Third Reich. An Honour Cross of the German Mother, Gold Grade with Case, by Ludwig Bertsch

(Ehrenkreuz der Deutschen Mutter in Gold mit Etui). Constructed of gilded bronze with multi-coloured enamels, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, consisting of a Latin Cross, the obverse with blue and white enameled arms, joined at the quadrants by sun rays, with a central white enameled disc bearing a black swastika, circumscribed by a raised inscription of “DER DEUTSCHEN MUTTER” (“TO THE GERMAN MOTHER”), the reverse etched with an institution date of “16. DEZEMBER 1938” and a signature of the Führer, unmarked, measuring 36 mm (w) x 46 mm (h), accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of a light wooden case with a faux blue leather exterior, the lid bearing a gilt depiction of the decoration, the interior with a white rayon lid liner, maker marked “L. BERTSCH, KARLSRUHE”, with a slotted white feld medal bed, opening with a metal spring catch with exterior stud release and a functional metal hinge, measuring 50 mm (w) x 110 mm (l) x 18 mm (h), the case no longer locks closed, in overall near extremely fine condition.