Germany Awards - 2nd Class Gdańsk Cross

The Gdansk cross in 2 classes was donated by Gauleiter Albert Forster on August 31, 1939. The latter appointed himself head of state in August 1939, replacing Senate Chairman Arthur Greiser.
She was awarded for services in the construction of the NSDAP in Gdańsk Gau, the Nazi state of Danzig, as well as for the construction of the defense of Gdańsk before the outbreak of war in September 1939. The 1st class cross was nodal. The 2nd class shown here was worn on tape. After being included in the German Empire, it was equated with the awards of other German states. The project was developed by the Berlin imperial set designer Benno von Arent. The sole manufacturer is Hürse, Berlin. There are 2 different options indicating the artist and manufacturer - B.v.a. -/- sleeve-Berlin - known. One signature is increased, the other is deepened. Deviations occur when riveting the blanks, the blanks themselves of 1 or 2 parts and small deviations in size. Which option or both should be called award-winning has not been finally established. A variant with a smooth back cover, without rear designation, is also discussed. Despite the small number of awards, at least 2 backward-knit options appear as attested originals, as they appeared on different estates. In the 1st grade - 89, in the 2nd - 272. It is possible that due to possible subsequent awards, the number of awards was slightly increased. Crosses are rare, expensive, and also like to fake. Source: J. Nimmergut, Deutsche Orden und Ehrenzeichen before 1945, vol. IV, 2001.

An elongated cross made of gilded bronze with white enameled cross sleeves on the front side. On the front side there is a gold lining. The back is smooth and gilded with artist and manufacturer identification on the lower cruciform shoulder. On the top of the pad is a soldered eye with a ribbon ring.

Front side:

• The cross shoulders are narrowly golden borders. Inside is another gold rim.
• This central one has a recessed groove. In the center to the upper cruciform sleeve is a golden base.
• It consists of 2 crossed crosses crowned with a five-petalled crown.
• They are taken from the coat of arms of Gdansk. The lower cross is centered on a white cross.

Downside:

• Smooth and gilded. On the lower cruciform shoulder, a 2-line raised signature:
• - B.v.A. -/- sleeve-Berlin -.
• Central and above the upper spider, through a raised tongue, 2 rivets with which the stand is attached.

Front side: Grade 2 Gdańsk Cross

Reverse: Grade 2 Gdańsk Cross

Established:

August 31, 1939 Gauleiter Albert Forster

Awarded:

1939 – 1940

Data:

• Material: gold-plated bronze, enamel
• Size: 48.2 x 35.4 mm, crown 18.6 x 6.4 mm, cross support 13 x 32.6 mm
• Weight: 18g (with tape)

estimated collector price:

780 - 800 € gold plated bronze
590 - €620 in white metal with gilding

OEK Number:

3440