Original German WWI Honor Cross With Swords For Combatant (No Ribbon)
Instituted in 1934 by Reichspräsident Paul von Hindenburg, this medal was the first official WWI service decoration. Commonly referred to as the Hindenburg Cross. It was given to veterans of front line combat, non-combat veterans and auxiliary personnel, as well as the next-of-kin of personnel who were killed in action from August 1914 to December 1918. There are crosses with (For Combatant) and without swords (Non-Combatant) along with different ribbon patterns black, white, and red colors.
This authentic Honor Cross does not include the original ribbon. The reverse is stamped with the maker’s mark “R.V. Pforzheim 21”, identifying one of the numerous authorized private manufacturers contracted to produce these awards. This example retains its original dark bronze patina and crisp detail throughout. Overall in excellent condition.
