WWII German “Mother’s Cross” Medal (Mutterkreuz)-16 December, 1938

Item: German Mother’s Cross (Silver Grade)

German name: Ehrenkreuz der Deutschen Mutter

Institution date: December 16, 1938

Country: Germany

Era: Nazi Germany

Description

This is an original German Mother’s Cross in Silver, a civilian decoration instituted by the German government on December 16, 1938 to recognize mothers who had given birth to and raised multiple children. The decoration was awarded in three classes (Bronze, Silver, and Gold) based on the number of children.

The example shown is the Silver Class, identifiable by its blue enamel cross with silver borders and silver sunburst center.

The medal features:

• Form: Cross pattée design with white and blue enamel arms
• Center obverse: Black swastika within a circular inscription reading “Der Deutschen Mutter” (“To the German Mother”)
• Background: Radiating silver starburst behind the cross
• Reverse inscription:
  “16 Dezember 1938”
  (the date the decoration was instituted)
• Signature: Script “AH” (Adolf Hitler facsimile signature) below the date
• Ribbon: Traditional blue and white striped neck ribbon, worn around the neck by recipients.

Award Criteria

The award was presented to mothers meeting the following criteria:

• Bronze Cross: 4–5 children
• Silver Cross: 6–7 children
• Gold Cross: 8 or more children

Recipients were nominated locally and the awards were typically presented on Mother’s Day.

Construction

Typical original examples like this were produced from:

• Tombac or bronze alloy base metal
• Enamel finish on cross arms
• Silver wash or plated center burst
• Stamped reverse with engraved lettering

The aging and patina visible on the reverse of your piece are consistent with original WWII-era examples, especially those that saw wear.

Condition

Based on the photos:

• Ribbon appears original with normal age wear
• Enamel looks largely intact with light edge wear
• Reverse shows typical oxidation/patina from age
• Overall condition: Good original collectible condition