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

(Ehrenkreuz der Deutschen Mutter 1. Stufe). Instituted on December 16, 1938 by A.H. (Issued 1938-1945). A Latin cross with concave arms in gilded bronze and blue, white, and black enamels with sun rays emanating between the arms from the centre applique, on loop for suspension, with its full length period original ribbon, the obverse with a circular applique bearing a static black enameled swastika (Hakenkreuz) within a gilded ring inscribed “Der Deutschen Mutter” (The German Mother), with all four arms of the cross edged in white enamels with solid blue panels, the reverse dated with the date of implementation “10 Dezember 1938”, bearing the facsimile of the Führer and Reichs-Chancellor, measuring 35.62 mm (w) x 43.10 mm (h), weighing 13.3 grams. Accompanied by its case of issue constructed of heavy pressed paper with a dark blue lightly textured faux leather (leatherette) exterior, with the outline of a Mother’s Cross embossed in gold on the outside lid, lined interior lid with a recessed medal bed, functional spring catch with stud release, intact interior fabric hinge cover functional exterior hinge, measuring 50 mm (w) x 112 mm (h), the exterior of the case damaged from storage, but the award in extremely fine condition.