German Awards - Honorary Cross of the Fire Department of the Province of Hesse-Nassau

This badge of honor was established by the Hesse-Nassau Provincial Fire Union in 1934. Awarded for outstanding service in firefighting. The Prussian province of Hesse-Nassau was formed after the German War on December 7, 1868 from the Elector of Hesse-Kassel, the Duchy of Nassau, the free city of Frankfurt. It also included the district of Biedenkopf, the Landgraviate of Hesse-Homburg, and since 1932 the district of Wetzlar and Waldeck. The seat of government was Kassel. In 1944, the province was redistributed into the provinces of Kurhessen and Nassau. Like other provinces, Hesse-Nassau established a cross for merit in extinguishing fires. I have no further details on award rules or award numbers.

Silver-plated bronze cross with straight cruciform sleeves. Transverse arms on flanks with stepped hatched frames. The ends are slightly curved inwards. There are small balloons in the corners. Front and rear with superimposed round medallions. On smooth cruciform levers, starting from the middle shields, the image of the flame increases to the end of the cruciform levers. On the upper cruciform shoulder is a soldered ordinary eye with a ribbon ring.

Front side:

• On the central shield without an edge in the center is a black enameled fire helmet.
• On a helmet facing right, a silver swastika placed on top.
• On the edge of the inscription: above - FOR - EXCELLENT. - SERVICES -
• Below - VM - FIRE EXTINGUISHERS - a dash between them.

Downside:

• The central shield is silver burgundy with a black enameled backing.
• The focus of the plastically decorated coat of arms of Hesse-Nassau.