German Hanseatic Cross Medal

Product Description: This German Hanseatic Cross Medal is an outstanding example of this attractive Imperial German award. The medal is in the form of a cross with the Hamburg coat of arms at the center. The gorgeous, jeweler quality ruby red translucent enamel is perfect, with no chips or damage. The coat of arms retains all of the original fine detail. The metal surface shows beautiful original finish, with only very slight wear and age toning. The reverse of this German Hanseatic Cross Medal bears the wording “Für Verdienst im Kriege 1914” (For War Merit 1914). The original double suspension ring system is intact. This cross comes with a correct original red and white ribbon. The ribbon shows good color and typical age toning. This is a very appealing award with great eye appeal. The condition rates as excellent.

Historical Description: The various European nations, states, kingdoms, and empires in existence from the second half of the 19th century through the interwar period prior to 1939 issued an extremely wide array of medals, orders, and awards of all kinds. Awards were issued for military as well as for civil service. Some awards were bestowed for acts of bravery or some other specific individual merit. At the other end of the scale, were commemorative medals that were issued en masse to whole organizations, to recognize some special event or anniversary. The issue of medals and awards increased exponentially during the first World War, and many who fought in those years went on to have long medal bars that displayed their various decorations. Issue of medals for WWI service did not cease in 1918. After the war, the authority to bestow awards seems to have become a subject of confusion in some nations, with various veteran organizations issuing unofficial commemorative medals that were not state sanctioned. When the Third Reich period began in 1933, the very first award officially instituted was a commemorative medal for WWI veterans- the so-called Hindenburg Cross.

We are the leading team of military antique specialists. We have specialized in military antiques for over 25 years.

Epic Artifacts offers the highest prices available for your collectibles.

We purchase single items, entire collections, or family estates. Inquiries

Feel free to email us directly: info@epicartifacts.com