Germany, SS. A German Cross in Gold, Field Gray Cloth Version

(Deutsches Kreuz in Gold, Stoffausführung). Instituted 28 September 1941. (1941-1945 issue). Constructed of a double-overlaid field-grey sunburst pattern with eight points, with the bottom outer layer of the cross in silver aluminum bullion threading, while the rest consists of dark grey threading, the cross features a stamped gilded tombak circular wreath impressed with oak leaves, ribbons, and the institution year “1941”, the inner and outer sides of the wreath feature a thin red intertwined cord acting as a border, within the wreath is a densely embroidered black mobile swastika with a silver/aluminum outer border, an unmarked “Type 2” variant, measuring 72 mm (w) x 70 mm (h), weighing 8.2 grams, minor soiling, otherwise in near extremely fine condition.

Footnote: Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Dietrich Maerz, dated 23 November 2018.