WW1 Imperial German Hindenburg Cross Full Size

The WW1 Imperial German Hindenburg Cross Full Size is an original commemorative decoration instituted in 1934 by Field Marshal Paul von Hindenburg, then President of Germany. Officially known as the Honour Cross of the World War 1914/1918 (Ehrenkreuz des Weltkriegs 1914/1918), it was awarded to German World War I veterans and surviving next-of-kin. This full-size version is manufactured from bronze, featuring a Maltese cross with laurel wreath and crossed swords between the arms, denoting a combatant award. The center bears the dates “1914–1918” surrounded by an oak leaf wreath. The reverse is typically plain, sometimes maker marked. The award is suspended from a black, white, and red striped ribbon, reflecting the national colors of the German Empire. The Hindenburg Cross represents the first official service medal issued by Germany to recognize participants and sacrifices of the First World War.