Imperial German, WWI, Honour Cross for Combatants (Ehrenkreuz für Frontkämpfer) with Award Document – Glasermeister Fritz Herrmann, Meerane – Framed Presentation
*Imperial German, WWI, Honour Cross for Combatants (Ehrenkreuz für Frontkämpfer) with Award Document – Glasermeister Fritz Herrmann, Meerane – Framed Presentation*
An original Ehrenkreuz für Frontkämpfer (Honour Cross for Combatants 1914–1918), complete with its official award document (Verleihungsurkunde), attractively presented together in a glazed frame with deep red mount. The bronze cross displays crossed swords and a laurel wreath surrounding the central dates “1914–1918,” suspended from its original tricolour ribbon (black, white and red).
The accompanying typed award certificate, dated Meerane, 11 December 1934, names Glasermeister Fritz Herrmann and confirms the decoration was bestowed “Im Namen des Führers und Reichskanzlers” under the decree of 13 July 1934 by Reich President Generalfeldmarschall von Hindenburg. Signed in ink by the Erster Bürgermeister (First Mayor) and stamped with the town seal of Meerane. Document serial number: H 42 / 34.
The medal and certificate are neatly mounted side-by-side in a later dark wood frame measuring approximately 32.7 cm x 24.2 cm, with rear hanging cord and backing board intact.
Approx Measurements: Frame: 32.7 cm x 24.2 cm
Historical Note: The Ehrenkreuz des Weltkrieges 1914/1918 (Honour Cross of the World War 1914/1918) was instituted on 13 July 1934 by Field Marshal Paul von Hindenburg, then President of Germany, to recognise veterans of the First World War. It was the first official service medal issued by the German state to commemorate WWI, available in three grades: 1. With swords (für Frontkämpfer) for combatants; 2. Without swords (für Kriegsteilnehmer) for non-combat personnel; and 3. in black for next-of-kin (für Hinterbliebene).
Issued until 1944, over eight million crosses were awarded, but named and documented examples remain very rare—particularly when preserved together as a complete presentation set.
*Condition* Medal shows a rich bronze patina and light age wear; ribbon retains strong colour. The award certificate is clean and legible, with only minor toning and faint creases from age. Signature and embossed town seal remain crisp. Frame solid and ready for wall display, with minimal handling marks. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
