WW1 Imperial German Hindenburg Cross

The WW1 Imperial German Hindenburg Cross is a commemorative military decoration instituted by the Weimar Republic on 13 July 1934. Officially known as the Ehrenkreuz des Weltkriegs 1914/1918, it was established to honor German veterans who served during the First World War. The award is made of bronze and features a cross pattée design with crossed swords between the arms for combatants; the central medallion bears the dates “1914 1918,” encircled by a laurel wreath. The reverse side is plain, with a maker’s mark sometimes present near the lower arm. The ribbon is black with white and red edge stripes, reflecting the national colors of Imperial Germany. The Hindenburg Cross was the first decoration officially issued by the post-war German government and was widely distributed, marking recognition of military or frontline service from 1914 to 1918. This item reflects significant historical and collectible interest in German military history.