Germany, Third Reich. A Cased Honour Cross of the German Mother, Gold Grade, by Ziemer & Söhne

(Ehrenkreuz der Deutschen Mutter in Gold). Instituted 16 December 1938. (1938-1945 issue). Constructed of gilded bronze with multi-coloured enamels, on loop for suspension from its period original shortened ribbon, consisting of a Latin Cross with blue and white enameled arms, the obverse with a central medallion bearing a black swastika on a white enameled background, circumscribed by a gilt inscription of “DER DEUTSCHEN MUTTER” (“THE GERMAN MOTHER”), with radiant designs between the quadrants of the arms, the reverse with an etched institution date of “16. Dezember 1938” above a facsimile of the Führer, measuring 35 mm (w) 45 mm (h), accompanied by its period original miniature, of identical construction and composition, horizontal pinback, measuring 16 mm (w) x 21 mm (h), with its period original case of issue, constructed of card stock with a faux blue leather exterior, the obverse lid with a gold embossed outline of the decoration, the interior with a white satin-stype lid liner, depressed felt medal bed, opening with a functional magnetic metal spring catch with an exterior stud release, with a functional magnetic metal hinge, the lid maker marked “Ziemer & Söhne, Oberstein”, measuring 50 mm (w) x 110 mm (l) x 18 mm (h), in very fine condition.