German Cross (Deutsches Kreuz) Guide

This is an identification guide for the Categories and varieties of the German Cross. The German Cross consisted of 5 separate pieces and were held together by rivets. The German Cross measured 63mm wide and weighted between 44 and 70 grams depending on type and maker. The wreath surrounding the swastika was finished in gold for military awards and silver for civilian awards. All other details are the same for both the gold and silver awards. Awards totalled approximately 24,000 of the German Cross in gold and approximately 1,200 of the German Cross in silver.

The accepted makers are Gebr�der Godet & Co., Deschler & Sohn, C. E. Juncker, Klein & Quenzer, and C. F. Zimmermann. Zimmermann and Klein & Quenzer examples are assembled using parts produced from the same set of dies. It is believed that Zimmermann retained the dies as their produced pieces are the most widely encountered. Ten varieties are known to exist, based on the maker, weight, and number of rivets. All varieties are shown for the German Cross in gold. Selected examples are shown for the German Cross in silver.

There are 3 categories of the German Cross. The Category 1 Cross was made by Deschler, had 10 rivets, and weighted approximately 70 grams. The rivets are at each point of the star with two more inset. Since these two extras could be either vertical or horizontal, they are sometimes obscured by the hinge and hook, hence the idea that there is an 8 rivet variety made by Deschler. Because few were produced, this type is rarely seen.

The Category 2 Cross (heavy version) was made by 4 firms. Deschler produced crosses initially had 6 rivets but later converted to a 4 rivet construction, and weighted approximately 67-69 grams. Godet produced crosses had 6 rivets, and weighted approximately 65 grams. Junckers produced crosses had 5 rivets, and weighted approximately 59 grams. Zimmermann produced crosses had 4 hollow rivets, and weighted approximately 65 grams.

The Category 3 Cross (light version) was also made by 4 firms. Deschler produced crosses initially had 4 rivets, and weighted approximately 54 grams. Godet produced crosses had 6 rivets, and weighted approximately 50 grams. K&Q produced crosses had 4 hollow rivets, and weighted approximately 44 grams. Zimmermann produced crosses had 4 hollow rivets, and also weighted approximately 44 grams.

Klein used Zimmermann parts, and both should have the Zimmermann flaw to some degree. Until recently, Zimmermann crosses without the flaw were thought to be reproductions, but a set of medals was obtained from a veteran's family which included a cased heavy Zimmermann without the flaw.

Due to the size and weight of this award, a cloth version was available for wear and preferred by Luthwaffe, panzer, and other personnel who typically worked in tight spaces.

As with most German medals, reproductions exist ranging from very poor quality to fairly convincing. Weight and size are the key to determining originality. That being said, Junckers and Maybauer 4 rivet crosses are reproductions. The S&L 4 rivet crosses are being made up using parts from the 1957 reissue with the Iron Cross being replaced with a swastika.

To the best of our knowledge, all the examples shown are original pre-1945 manufacture. If anyone has questions or suggestions, please contact [email protected].

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Deschler & Sohn Category 1 - heavy 10 rivet in gold	Deschler & Sohn Category 2 - heavy 6 rivet in gold
Deschler & Sohn Category 2 - heavy 6 rivet in silver	Deschler & Sohn Category 2 - heavy 4 rivet in gold
Deschler & Sohn Category 2 - heavy 4 rivet in silver	Deschler & Sohn Category 3 - light 4 rivet in gold
Gebr�der Godet & Co. Category 2 - heavy 6 rivet in gold	Gebr�der Godet & Co. Category 2 - heavy 6 rivet in silver
Gebr�der Godet & Co. Category 3 - light 6 rivet in gold	C. E. Juncker Category 2 - heavy 5 rivet in gold
Klein & Quenzer Category 3 - light 4 rivet in gold	C. F. Zimmermann Category 2 - heavy 4 rivet in gold
C. F. Zimmermann Category 3 - light 4 rivet in gold	C. F. Zimmermann Category 3 - light 4 rivet in silver
Cloth Version	Zimmermann Flaw