Condition: Near Mint
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Product Description: This Bronze Mothers Cross is a nice and very attractive example. The obverse is beautiful, with no damage to the high quality black, white and translucent blue enamel. The metal surface retains all of the gorgeous bronze finish, with some light gold tones that contrast with the brown color in the recesses of the design. This well-preserved cross is clean, with only the slightest hint of age toning. The reverse of this award is flat and smooth, and is inscribed with the signature of Adolf Hitler as well as the date of institution of the award. This eye-catching Bronze Mothers Cross is complete with its original ribbon. The correct, narrow blue and white ribbon is full length, which would allow it to be worn around the neck of the recipient. The ribbon shows strong original color, and only very slight age toning to the white fibers. This award is in outstanding, near mint condition.
Historical Description: The Nazi plans for the expansion of the German Reich required a robust and growing German population. To encourage this, the Nazis created a number of propaganda campaigns to encourage families to have more children. Beginning in 1934, Mother’s Day became an official holiday in Germany. In 1938, with preparations for war underway, Hitler created a special civil award for mothers in German families. The official name for this award was “Ehrenkreuz der deutschen Mutter” (Honor Cross of the German Mother” but it was often more simply referred to as the “Mutterkreuz,” or Mothers Cross. The design of the cross was created by Franz Berberich, and it was made in three classes. To earn the lowest grade, in bronze, a mother had to have four children. Mothers of at least six children were awarded the silver grade, and the highest level, in gold, was awarded to mothers of eight or more children. The awards themselves were never maker marked. The bronze and silver grades were awarded in simple paper packets, while to gold award came in a presentation case. The back of the very first Mothers Crosses, made in 1938 or early 1939, was inscribed “Das Kind adelt die Mutter” (The child ennobles the mother) and bore a facsimile signature of Adolf Hitler. Later versions featured a slightly different signature, and instead of a motto, were dated “16. Dezember 1938,” the date the award was instituted. The first awards of the Mothers Cross took place on Mother’s Day in May 1939. The cross was worn on a neck ribbon, and a miniature version was also available. They were awarded until 1945.
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