WWII GERMAN SOCIAL WELFARE CROSS (RED CROSS) NECK AWARD - 1ST CLASS

A very unique award that is not seen much that displays beautifully and a center piece in any collection. The Social Welfare Decoration was instituted May 1st 1939 and awarded for merits in the field of the People's Welfare, the Winter Relief, the care of the sick and wounded in peace and war, the rescue, the maintenance of German nationality and the care of German national comrades abroad. It is constructed out of a two piece die stamped tombak base that has been gold fire gilded and contains black and white enamel work and was finished in a protective lacquer coating. The obverse features a gold outlined black Social Welfare eagle clutching a golden wreathed black mobile swastika in its talons all in front of a gold outlined white Greek style cross. The reverse features the same white and gold outlined cross. To the top is a soldered on loop and ring with the accompanying dual neck cross oak leaf and lined loop. Through the loop is 19 inches of red and white rayon ribbon. Enameling is perfect with no chipping on either side. Overall, just a great piece.