German Awards - German Firefighter Honorary Cross 1. Class of 1928

On the 20th Fire Day in Wroclaw, it was proposed to establish a single badge of honor for uniting firefighters. The Fire Service Cross of Honour was established in two classes on 3 November 1928 by the German Fire Union. 1 and 2. The classes are identical in design. However, 2nd class without enameled cruciform coats of arms in silver. 1st class in silver gilded with red glass enameled cross sleeves. The maker of the crosses was Hofkunstanstalt Jakob Leser in Munich. 1 and 2. The class was awarded for particularly outstanding services to the German fire industry. 1st class was awarded for exceptional achievements in the field of fire fighting in general and for exceptional support of the German Fire Union. Both firefighters and non-firefighters distinguished themselves. The difference was in the order ribbon. Fire fighters carried a cross on a dark blue ribbon with red side stripes, other people on a white and red ribbon. Rewarding only for reasons of seniority was not provided. In addition to the service, the corresponding merits in extinguishing the fire had to be proven. The award rules provided for limiting applications. They depended on the number of fire departments in the member associations. After the forced dissolution by the National Socialists in 1936, the award ended .

Silver gilded cross in Maltese uniform. The cruciform shoulders are covered with red glaze with translucent hatching. Front and back with raised round gold medallion. Between the cross sleeves, the gilded flaming flame becomes longer in the center. Between the tops of the upper cruciform shoulder is an ornamented agraph with a spherical ear and a ribbon ring. On the ring of the tape is a silver stamp 800 or 900.

Front side:

• The raised edge of the middle shield in the form of a rope.
In
• a surrounded field on a black enameled background is a golden figure.
• Saint Florian is the patron saint of firefighters.

Downside:

• The raised edge of the middle shield in the form of a rope.
In
• a surrounded field without enamel, a golden eagle with outstretched wings.

Tape:

blue 35 mm wide, side stripes red 7 mm.

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