Germany, Third Reich. A German Cross in Gold, Early Heavy Version, c.1941

(Deutsches Kreuz in Gold) Instituted 28 September 1941. (1941-1945 issue). A rarely encountered version as outlined by Dietrich Maerz, which is described on page 238 of the book "The German Cross" as having been awarded in April 1943 to. Unlike the vast majority of German Crosses, this example features rivets in the same style as an early Deschler, a date similar to a Juncker, and a painted white coating similar to those used by some Godet manufactured crosses. Constructed of tombac with enamels, consisting of an early smooth edge double-overlaid sunburst pattern with eight points, the center bearing a black enameled mobile swastika on an painted white/yellow coating background, within a stamped gilded circular wreath impressed with oak leaves, ribbons, and the institution year “1941”, the inner and outer sides of the wreath are trimmed with thin red enameled rings, the sand blasted and silvered reverse with a barrel hinge and tapering vertical pinback meeting a flat catch, with two visible rivets holding the obverse features in place, measuring 63.6 mm (w) x 63.5 mm (h), weighing 70.1 grams; worn yet very fine.

Footnote: Accompanied by document of Authenticity from Dietrich Maerz.