Rare early cased German Cross in Gold (Deutsches Kreuz in Gold). The German Cross was introduced by Adolf Hitler on 28 September 1941 in two classes, Gold and Silver. The gold class cross was awarded to military personnel for exceptional acts of bravery or achievement in combat, the Silver class was awarded for distinguished acts of service in the war effort. The German Cross was to be worn on the lower right breast of the service tunic or field blouse. This is an early heavy weight version having six rivets to the polished silver reverse, the cross is having a short pin. The cross has been produced by the company 'Deschler & Sohn' from München. All enamel of the cross is intact and in very good condition showing minimal traces of usage, see photos. The cross is showing a somewhat darkened age patina to the silver parts. The cross comes in its original rare matching black coloured small type case, the case is showing some minimal traces of usage. These early six rivet crosses in early small type case are almost impossible to find in any condition, one of the rarest German Crosses to encounter. Extremely rare and desirable original cased German Cross in Gold!