Germany, Wehrmacht. A Rare German Cross in Silver, by C.F. Zimmermann

(Deutsches Kreuz in Gold). Instituted 28 September 1941. (1941-1945 issue). Constructed of cupal with multi-coloured enamels, the obverse consisting of a double-overlaid eight-pointed starburst, bearing a central silvered disc overlaid by a raised and black enameled mobile swastika, situated within a circular silvered laurel leaf wreath, wrapped in ribbon and joined together at the bottom by a plaque bearing an institution date of “1941”, with red enameled borders trimming both the inner and outer edges of the wreath, the reverse with four visible rivets securing the obverse features in position, with a barrel hinge and tapering vertical pinback meeting a round wire catch, the reverse of the pinback maker marked with Präsidialkanzlei code “20” for C.F. Zimmermann, Pforzheim, measuring 63.00 mm (w) x 62.78 mm (h), weighing 44.1 grams, demonstrating moderate loss of silver and gilt finish to the base metal, with minor scratching of the enamels, a scarce Silver Grade award correctly demonstrating the Zimmermann firm’s noted die flaws in near extremely fine condition.