Mint Silver Mothers Cross in Packet by Foerster & Barth

Product Description: This silver Mothers Cross is stone mint. It is still in the original packet, just as it would have been when issued to a German mother. The award itself is just perfect, with flawless original enamel and absolutely all of the original bright silver finish to the metalwork. There is no aging or wear at all. The full length original ribbon has never been unrolled, and remains just as it was the day it went into the packet. The medal is complete with its original packet and even the original packing paper. The packet shows some fading to the front but is in great overall shape, with no tears or rips. The reverse of the packet is maker marked “Foerster & Barth, Pforzheim.” The front of the packet bears the German designation for the award, and is of course the correct packet for a silver Mothers Cross. Stone mint Third Reich awards are hard to find and extremely desirable. This silver Mothers Cross probably could not be upgraded.

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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