The Verdun Cross was issued around 1920 by the Honorary Union of Participants in the Saxon World War/Friendly Union of German Fighters of the Eastern and Western Fronts in Chemnitz. In memory of the bloody battle of World War I, this alliance of war veterans also established the Somme Cross (yellow-black), which issued the Champagne Cross (black-blue) and the Argonne Cross (red-black). For the fighters of the Eastern Front, a green enameled cross of a different shape was presented. 2 manufacturers are known who were responsible for the supply of various crosses. The first manufacturer was Fleck & Sohn, Hamburg. (the cross shown here) the 2nd manufacturer was Eugen Lügde, Düsseldorf. Whether there was a change of supplier during the rental period or both manufacturers supplied simultaneously to my personal taste, I do not know. Different in appearance crosses of the Cheap, straight crosses at the Champagne and Verdun cross and straight crosses with medium rounding at the Somme cross are less common. The Argonne Cross is only known from the manufacturer Fleck & Sohn.
These commemorative crosses are not state awards and were received and paid for by the participant himself. Nevertheless, they were gladly worn and endured even on the braces. The rarity also makes them very attractive to collectors, as well as expensive. Often with a matching combat belt or sword.
Silver-plated Maltese cross made of non-ferrous metal with a middle shield worn. Cruciform arms along the edge are sheathed with black enamel and silver.
The inner sides of the crosses are enameled in white. In the upper cruciform shoulder, a pressed ear with a small ring and a bandage ring.
Front side:
Downside:
Tape:
.
Front side: Verdun Cross
Reverse: Verdun Cross
Awards of World War II