German Awards - World War I Cross of Honor

The World War Cross of Honor for Widows and Parents was established at the initiative of Reich President Paul von Hindenburg along with 2 other World War Crosses of Honor on July 13, 1934. This was the first state award in memory of the 1 World War. (unofficial but tolerant)
The honorary cross of the World War was awarded in 3 versions: a cross for front-line soldiers, a cross for war veterans, a cross for survivors (widows and parents). However, only one version can be requested. The cross was issued by city authorities, police or other government agencies. The cross was awarded a total of about 10,000,000 times in 3 forms and therefore was not uncommon. There are many manufacturers with different markings. Donated specimens were made of blackened iron. Items purchased are brass or bronze. Widows and parents of war veterans who died or went missing during the war or captivity were considered dead. Widows were women who were married before 31.12.1918. Parents also included foster and foster parents. The cross was awarded with a diploma in a bag. A white bag was prescribed for the dead. In trade, it was possible to purchase sketches with the inscription "Loyalty for loyalty" and a facsimile of Hindenburg's signature. Among the 3 crosses, the Cross for the Dead is the least awarded cross. The ribbon differs from that of the other two crosses. Source: J. Nimmergut, Deutsche Orden und Ehrenzeichen before 1945, vol. IV, 2001.

Black lacquered iron cross with border. In the center is a medallion. Above is a corrugated embossed ear with a ribbon ring.

Front side:

In the
• center is a round medallion along the edge, consisting of an oak-leafy wreath tied from below.
In
• a closed field, annual figures are among themselves: - 1914-1918. -

Downside:

• Smoothly blackened with the signature of the manufacturer.
• Here - U. - D. -/- L. - for Wilhelm Deimer, Ludenscheid.

Tape:

• Width 28 mm, white edging 1 mm, black side stripes 5 mm, white/red/white central stripes 4 mm each.

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