German Social Welfare Decoration, I Class Cross Neck Cross – by Godet & Co – 1939-1945

Condition: Excellent / Near Mint
Maker: Godet & Co
Weight: 50.40 Grams with Ribbon
Height: 52.5 mm
Width: 52.5 mm

An outstanding quality manufacture German Social Welfare Decoration First Class “Ehrenzeichen für Deutsche Volkspflege 1. Stufe” by a desirable maker; two-piece construction; the eagle constructed of gilded bronze and extremely well-preserved black enamels with the cross in gilded bronze and equally well preserved white enamels on the obverse and reverse; with its original gilded oak leaf clasp; with its period-original mint neck ribbon; near mint condition.

History

On May 1, 1939, the German Red Cross Awards were replaced by the German Social Welfare Decoration, which recognized not only Red Cross work but the entire social welfare field. This included care for the sick and wounded, caring for German citizens in foreign countries, participation in the winter relief organization, and upholding ancestral German traditions.

The Special Class is identical to the former Red Cross Grand Cross, except the latter features a different type of eagle and swastika in the center of the medal.

The I-Class Cross has a surmounting suspension with oak leaves and is worn on a neck ribbon.

The I-Class Cross with diamonds was a special presentation awarded only once to Madame Antonescu.