Cross of Honor of the German Mother

This is an identification guide for the different class and size awards for the Cross of Honor of the German Mother. Unless otherwise noted, all photographs are of original authentic items of the period. This guide is for identification only. To correctly authenticate an item, it's size, weight, composition, and construction details must be examined. If anyone has questions or suggestions, please contact Vern@GermanDaggers.com.

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1st Pattern Awards

Initially approved on 16 December 1938, the cross was approximately 36mm x 43mm, had the inscription "Das Kind adelt die Mutter" with Hitler's signature on the reverse, and was awarded in three grades. 1st Class, a Gold Cross, was for eligible mothers with eight or more children. 2nd Class, a Silver Cross, was for eligible mothers with six or seven children. 3rd Class, a Bronze Cross was for eligible mothers with four or five children. The first awards were presented on Mother's Day, 21 May, 1939.


1st Class Award in gold	2nd Class Award in silver	3rd Class Award in Bronze

2nd Pattern Awards

In mid 1939, the inscription was changed to "16 December 1938" in three lines, followed by Hitler's signature.


1st Class Award in gold	2nd Class Award in silver	3rd Class Award in Bronze

Private Purchase Awards

In mid-1939, a miniature cross, approximately 17mm x 20mm was approved for daily wear on a broach or ribbon bow. A slightly larger cross, approximately 26mm x 31mm, was approved for daily wear as a pin. Both smaller crosses were private purchase items and not official awards. In mid-1940, the broach and pin forms were prohibited.


Ribbon Bow 1st Class Award in gold	Ribbon Bow 2nd Class Award in silver	Ribbon Bow 3rd Class Award in Bronze
Broach 3rd Class Award in Bronze	Broach 3rd Class Award in Bronze	Broach 3rd Class Award in Bronze
Pin 3rd Class Award in Bronze	Pin 2nd Class Award in silver	Jeweler Converted 1st Class Award in Gold

Cross of Honor of the German Mother with Diamonds

A standard 1st Class cross with diamonds set in the swaztica. Purportedly awarded to a mother in Dresden who had sixteen children. No documentation, award document, or case known. Also described as an award for mothers with thirteen or more children. Again, no documentation is known. Included as a matter of interest since these are occasionally offered for sale.


1st Class Award in gold with diamonds