German Mother’s Cross in Silver – Mutterkreuz 2nd Class with Ribbon

Description

This is an original Mutterkreuz silver grade – the Ehrenkreuz der Deutschen Mutter, 2nd Class – with its blue and white ribbon. The cross has blue and white enamelled arms over a silver-coloured sunburst, and a white enamel centre with the inscription “DER DEUTSCHEN MUTTER” around the central emblem. The reverse bears the date “16. Dezember 1938” and the facsimile signature of Adolf Hitler.

What Was the Mutterkreuz?

The Cross of Honour of the German Mother was instituted in December 1938. According to the Deutsches Historisches Museum, it was awarded in three grades: bronze for mothers of four or more children, silver for six or more, and gold for eight or more. It was strictly tied to the regime’s racial policy. Only mothers of German nationality who could prove “Aryan” descent qualified, their children had to be considered “hereditarily healthy”, and families labelled as racially “alien”, “hereditarily ill” or “asocial” were excluded. The award could even be withdrawn later. The museum notes that three million women had received it by 1939.

How Do You Recognise the Mutterkreuz Silver Grade?

The three grades share the same design and are distinguished by the colour of the metal frame and sunburst. On this example, the frame and rays are silver-coloured, identifying the 2nd Class. The obverse enamel is bright, with deep blue centres and white borders on each arm. The reverse carries the standard institution date and facsimile signature.

Collector’s Note

A Mutterkreuz silver grade sits between the bronze and the gold grades. When I examine one, I look at the quality of the enamel, the condition of the central medallion, the crispness of the reverse inscription and the presence of the original ribbon. This example presents well on the front, and the reverse has a natural, untouched patina. No maker’s mark is visible in the photographs. For comparison, see our Mother’s Cross in Silver (INS82), the bronze Mutterkreuz (INS99) and the gold Mutterkreuz (INS78). For a cross with its award document, see DOC134, and for wider context, my guide to WWII German medals.

Condition

• Blue and white enamel bright, with no major losses visible in the photographs.
• Silver-coloured frame with natural patina and light wear to exposed edges.
• Reverse darkened with age; inscription clear.
• Suspension intact.
• Ribbon with age wear and light fraying.

Please study all three photographs of this Mutterkreuz silver grade, which form an essential part of this condition description. Sold exactly as shown.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which grade is this?

The silver grade (2nd Class), awarded to mothers of six or more children.

What does the reverse say?

“16. Dezember 1938”, with a facsimile signature of Adolf Hitler.

Is a maker’s mark visible?

No maker’s mark is visible in the photographs.

Is the ribbon included?

Yes. The blue and white ribbon shown is included.

Historical Responsibility Notice

This Mutterkreuz silver grade is offered as a historical artefact for collecting, preservation, education and research. The central swastika and facsimile signature are an original part of the decoration. The award was an instrument of National Socialist racial and population policy, and Autographs & Militaria does not endorse or glorify that ideology. For our approach to this material, see collecting Third Reich material responsibly.

References & Further Reading

• Michaela Kipp, Das Mutterkreuz, LeMO, Deutsches Historisches Museum, 2014.
• Autographs & Militaria, WWII German medals.