This is a very well preserved alternative de-nazified replacement version of a German Cross in Gold; made by Klein & Quenzer; multi-piece construction in silvered and gilded tombac; with double-overlaid sunburst pattern with eight points; the centre with a denazified Iron Cross exhibiting an oak leaf cluster in place of the swastika (“Hakenkreuz”) with a 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 painted line with a silver core in the middle; vertical pinback with four rivets on the reverse; measuring 63.76 mm x 63.85 mm; weighing 70.2 grams; near mint condition. (C: 128)
Footnote: In 1957 Federal Republic of Germany authorized the wear of denazified Second War awards and decorations as those with swastikas were banned (and still are today) for wear or display. The 1957 model of the German Cross in Gold features an Iron Cross with an oak leaf cluster in place of the swastika similar to the 1813, 1870, and 1914 which could be worn by Second War Iron Cross recipients. Production of these awards was halted in 1986.