Gold Mother’s Cross – 1st Class – Mutterkreuz in Gold

An original German state decoration of the first class – the Honor Cross of the German Mother (Ehrenkreuz der Deutschen Mutter) in Gold.
The obverse features slender arms coated in light blue enamel with white borders, with a central medallion displaying a black swastika on a pale background.
Surrounding the swastika is the inscription "DER DEUTSCHEN MUTTER" on a gilded rim, highlighting the award's highest grade.
The reverse, featuring a fine pebbled texture, bears the embossed institution date "16. Dezember 1938" and Hitler's facsimile signature in very fine condition.
The cross is struck from metal with a high-quality gold-plated finish, retaining its brilliance and deep color on the edges and the reverse side.
The award is suspended from its original long blue and white striped ribbon, designed for neck wear.

Historical Context
The Gold Mother's Cross was instituted on December 16, 1938, and was awarded to women who gave birth to and raised eight or more children. It was the highest honor in this category, treated with great respect in the society of that time. Designed by Franz Berberich, its form drew inspiration from the Teutonic cross, blending religious aesthetics with state symbolism. Due to the prestige and the fact that gold crosses were awarded less frequently than bronze or silver ones, they are highly sought-after pieces in phaleristic collections.