$4,965.00
Condition: Near Mint
Maker: 134 Otto Klein
Pattern: Light – Weight 44.4 Grams, width is 63.21mm
Material: Tombak
In stock
Product Description: An exceptional example of the DKiG German Cross in Gold – Otto Klein, among the most prestigious and visually striking combat decorations instituted during the Second World War. Manufactured by the firm of Otto Klein and bearing the Präsidialkanzlei code “134” to the center of the reverse, this is a completely original and textbook lightweight variant, executed in CupAl with exemplary precision.
The reverse displays perfectly set, untouched rivets—tight, unaltered, and exactly as issued—attesting to the badge’s unquestioned integrity. The obverse is particularly remarkable: the starburst retains a rich, even darkened finish with no noticeable wear, an extraordinary and seldom-encountered state of preservation for this award. The gilded wreath remains vibrant and luminous, showcasing crisp detail and radiant factory burnished highlights. The central white enamel disc is beautifully preserved with only the faintest whisper of age toning, while the enameled swastika is immaculate, entirely free from chips, crazing, or surface imperfections.
Weighing 44.4 grams and measuring 63.21 mm in width, this decoration stands in an outstanding Near Mint to virtually pristine state—an increasingly rare level of preservation for such a sought-after award. Scarce in any condition, and decidedly uncommon at this level of quality, the DKiG German Cross in Gold – Otto Klein would represent a true cornerstone acquisition for the most discerning and advanced collections of German wartime decorations.
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 anditssubsequent 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-pointed 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 clothwith the exception of the laurel wreath still being metal.
Known Manufacturers:Deschler& Sohn, Munchen,;C.E. Juncker, Berlin; C.F. Zimmermann, Pforzheim; Gebruder Godet, Berlin; Otto Klein, Hanau
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