This is an authentic WW2 (Nazi Germany) SA (Sturmabteilung), the "Brown Shirts" enlisted man's/NCO belt buckle, early-pattern. It features a centralized eagle with outstretched wings clutching a wreath that contains a vertical swastika. This specific configuration is characteristic of early 1930s buckles, pre-RZM era.
Deutsches Kreuz in Gold). Constructed of tombac with a double-overlaid sunburst pattern with eight points, the center with a black enameled rotated (mobile) swastika, with the enamels well preserved without chipping of any kind and only minor contact marks, within a stamped gilded circular wreath impressed with oak leaves, ribbons, and the introduction year 1941, the inner and outer sides of the wreath feature a thin red enameled rings with a silver core in the middle, the reverse plain, with a slender vertical pinback, with a sheet metal hinge and a C-shaped catch, maker marked with 20 on the underside of the pin for C.F. Zimmermann, measuring 62.75 mm (w) x 62.91 mm (h), weighing 46.3 grams, and in extremely fine condition.
Construction: These were typically a two-piece construction where the roundel (the central disk with the eagle) is soldered or crimped onto the rectangular buckle box. It's made normally of brass or nickel-plated steel. This particular buckle has green and orange oxidation due to it either being buried for some time or significant moisture exposure thus, suggesting a possible brass-based alloy (buntmetall).
German cross in gold with matching case. Maker marked on the reverse with number 1 (Deschler & Sohn – München). Enameled surface of the swastika remains in excellent condition and shows no damages. Grey colored wreath shows no wear and still has all of its genuine finish intact. Comes with the original box that shows normal signs of storage. Rivets on the back remain tight and untouched. A beautiful and textbook ‘Deutsches Kreuz in Gold’ with award box! An investment piece for sure!
This Deschler German Cross certainly appears to be one that was actually issued and used; it has a great “field” look. It’s a very substantial, heavy variant, weighing 62 grams. The front shows nice, even wear. There is some chipping to the enamel on the swastika, and it looks like someone may have carefully tried to repair this long ago. It is uncleaned, and both the front and back of this Deschler German Cross have a rich patina that has developed from age and wear. The textbook broad pin on the reverse has a clearly stamped manufacturer marking “1,” for the Deschler PKZ code. The rivets are all nice and tight. The hinge and catch are both soldered directly to the Tombak backplate, and show no sign of repair. Overall, a nice, representative example of what is likely a relatively early Deschler German Cross, with a lot of character, and perfect for display on a combat tunic.
Historical Description: The German Cross in Gold was instituted on September 28th, 1941. The German High Command saw it necessary to create an award which would bridge the gap between the Iron Cross First Class and the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross. Once instituted, the German Cross became Germany’s second highest military decoration, second only to the Knights Cross and its subsequent grades. The German Cross was similar to the Knights Cross in regards that the award was not based off of any previous awards in German history. It was a unique creation which also ended with the war. There were approximately 26,000 recipients of the German Cross in Gold. This number, however, does not reflect the total amount of German Crosses produced.
The German Cross was actually not a cross at all, it took on the form of an eight-point star resembling some of the former breast awards of the Imperial era. The award came in two forms, a metal version and a cloth version. The metal version being the most complex of the two, it consisted of five separate pieces being fitted and held together using four to twelve rivets depending on who the manufacturer was. The cloth version follows the exact same design as the metal produced version except the entire cross is cloth with the exception of the laurel wreath still being metal.
Reverse: Swivel attachment claws missing; all other pieces in tact.
Markings: Authentic period pieces are often marked on the reverse with the RZM (Reichszeugmeisterei) stamp, although early examples may be unmarked. This is an early example, pre-RZM era.
Measurements (approximate):
Standard adult size.
