Germany, Weimar Republic. An Battle of Verdun Commemorative Cross

(Weimarer Republik, Verdun Kreuz). Issued 1914-1918. Two-piece construction alloy with gilt-edged black and white enamels; the obverse a Maltese shaped cross with a central gilt-edged black enamel medallion inscribed in gilt with “Verdun, 1914-1918”; the reverse plain; maker marked “Fleck & Sohn, Hamburg 3” and “Ges. Gesch” (for gesetzlich geschützt = legally protected, i.e. a registered design) on reverse; double loops for ribbon suspension; measuring 39.59 mm (w) x 39.59 mm (h); weighing 10.7 grams; in overall very fine condition.

Footnote: This cross was created by the Ehrenbund der Champagnekämpfer veterans association in 1920 and was awarded to veterans who participated in either the Somme, Verdun, Argonne, Champagne battles, or on the Eastern Front. All were made by the same maker and were privately purchased by the veterans. They were banned in 1935.