Germany, Wehrmacht. A Rare 5th Don Cossacks Regiment Cross
(Wehrmacht Kreuz des 5. Don-Kosaken-Reiter-Regiments). Constructed of aluminum, consisting of a Cross Pattée, the obverse trimmed with a depressed and blackened border, bearing a central raised mobile swastika, the three and nine o’clock arms bearing a raised Cyrillic inscription of “КОНОНОВ” (“KONONOV”, for Ivan Nikitich Kononov), the twelve o’clock arm bearing a raised number “5”, the six o’clock arm bearing a raised date of “28. X. 1941”, with crossed swords piercing the centrepiece, superimposed over a shield bearing a Don Cossack insignia, the reverse with a vertical pinback, unmarked, measuring 46.56 mm (w) x 46.64 mm (h), weighing 11.7 grams, demonstrating oxidation consistent with storage conditions throughout, a scarce decoration in fair condition.

