Germany, Third Reich. A German Cross in Gold, by C.F. Zimmermann

(Deutsches Kreuz in Gold) Instituted 28 September 1941. (1941-1945 issue). Constructed of cupal with aluminum and enamels, consisting of a double-overlaid sunburst pattern with eight points, the center bearing a black enameled mobile swastika on an aluminum 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 reverse with a barrel hinge and tapering vertical pinback meeting a round wire catch, with four visible rivets holding the obverse features in place, the reverse of the pinback stamped with a Präsidialkanzlei code of “20” for maker C.F. Zimmermann, Pforzheim, measuring 62.8 mm (w) x 61.3 mm (h), weighing 43.8 grams; tip on the bottom starburst missing, slight enamel flaking/chipping, worn example, in very good condition.