Badge of Honour

German second hand shops rule! The reason being that the ruthless capitalist antiques trade has not been allowed or does not care to infiltrate.. Bargains and genuine antiques can still be found unlike back in Britain. Take this I purchased for two euros after a trip to the bank early this evening.. It is not a copy. And it is made of real bronze..

The German Cross of Honour ('Ehrenkreuz 1914-18') was instituted on 13 July 1934 by President Hindenburg - German Army Chief of Staff from 1916 until the close of the war - as a means of recognising the sacrifices made by German servicemen from 1914-18.

Designed by Godet it is regarded by some as the first medal issued by the Third Reich.

Three classes of the medal were issued: to combatants(with swords), non-combatants(bronze, no swords) and next-of-kin (i.e. widows or parents/ black metal, no swords).

In case of any hypersensitive response may I add that this image in no way reflects any of my political affilations... I remain totally opposed to Nazism in all its guises.