'Deutsches Kreuz in Silber' (German Cross in Silver). 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. Approximately 2500 German Crosses in Silver have been awarded against almost 26000 German Crosses in Gold. The German Cross was to be worn on the lower right breast of the service tunic or field blouse. This is the light weight version, maker marked with number '20' on the pin, indicating production by the company 'C.F.Zimmermann' in Pforzheim. All enamel of the cross is intact and showing only some minimal scratches caused by wear. The cross is in overall very good, only slightly worn, condition. According to my picker this cross came from the family of 'Johannes Gerber' who was the commander of the 'Pionier-Landungsbataillon 86', there is however no hard proof to back this up. This one will look great when mounted on a tunic. Rare and desirable original cross! Reduced price, from 3450,- for 2950,-!