Germany, Wehrmacht. A German Cross in Gold, Rare Heer Afrika Version

(Deutsches Kreuz in Gold, Stoffausführung). Constructed of a double-overlaid sunburst pattern with eight points, with the bottom outer layer of the cross in silver aluminum bullion threading, while the rest consists of greyish threading, the cross features a fire gilded stamped circular wreath impressed with oak leaves, ribbons, and the introduction year “1941”, the inner and outer sides of the wreath feature a thin red intertwined cord acting as a border around it, within the wreath is a densely embroidered black mobile swastika, with a silver/aluminum outer border, with its original paper backer intact, measuring 71 mm (w) x 71 mm (h), weighing 9.8 grams, slightly soiled from storage, a rare Type 2 version with olive-green backing used by the Heer in Africa as well as in the Crimea, in near extremely fine condition.

Footnote: Includes a certificate of authenticity by Dietrich Maerz, dated 25 September 2018.