WW2 German Bronze Mother’s Cross with Bag of Issue
This original Bronze Mother’s Cross with bag of issue is in nice, high-grade condition and comes complete with its original neck ribbon and paper packet. The reverse of the paper issue envelope features a clear manufacturer mark for Adolf Besson Metallwarenfabrik from Schwäbisch Gmünd. Furthermore, this complete set offers collectors an exceptional, untouched example of Third Reich social history awards.
Product Features & Historical Details
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Medal Condition: Features vibrant blue and white enamel on the obverse, crisp gilt rays, and an undamaged central swastika.
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Reverse Inscription: Displays the traditional engraved date “16. Dezember 1938” along with Adolf Hitler’s facsimile signature.
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Issue Packet: Includes the original tan paper envelope printed with “Ehrenkreuz der Deutschen Mutter Dritte Stufe” on the front and stamped by maker Adolf Besson on the back.
Historical Significance of the Mother’s Cross
Adolf Hitler instituted the Cross of Honour of the German Mother (Ehrenkreuz der Deutschen Mutter) on December 16, 1938. The regime created this state decoration as part of a broader strategy to reshape German society around strict demographic and ideological goals.
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Ideological Foundations: The award served as a key propaganda tool promoting the regime’s ideal of the woman as a mother and homemaker. Specifically, policies restricted women’s societal roles primarily to domestic duties under the traditional slogan “Kinder, Küche, Kirche” (Children, Kitchen, Church).
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Demographic Policies: The regime aimed to reverse declining birthrates to build a large population for future expansion. Consequently, leadership viewed a growing population as vital for securing Lebensraum (living space) in Eastern Europe.
