HAKENKREUZ & IRON CROSS  -but not the SWASTIKA


The amazing medals below and at http://rexcurry.net/socialism/germany.html show the use of the hakenkreuz (swastika) as symbolism used by the horrid National Socialist German Workers' Party.  Each picture can be clicked for a larger view.  To learn more see http://rexcurry.net/book1a1contents-swastika.html

CLICK  LARGER

EXPLANATION

1866 War with Austria - Königgrätz commemorative cross. 

swastika with wolfsangel as "S" letters
WWII DUTCH MUSSERT CROSS: instituted in 1941 by Anton Mussert, the head of the Dutch section of the National Socialist German Workers' Party, in order to recognize Dutch volunteers serving with the German armed forces on the Russian Front. Has the overlapping "S" letters of the swastika superimposed with the "S" shaped 'wolf's angle'. The larger iron cross has deep red cloissonne enamel work. Reverse has white enamel roundel that reads 'Hou en Trou', translated to 'Steady and True', the motto of the NSB (the Dutch National Socialist Party 'Nationalsozialische Beweging']. Has 'Mussert' and this order's date of institution (as well as commemorating the first year of the Eastern Front battles). Blue/white/yellow ribbon, the Dutch national colors.

WW1 Iron Cross 2nd class as issued for the Naval personnel (Kriegsmarine). The common difference being bronze frame (with light silver plating) and non-iron core (as iron would rust immediately while out at the sea).  narrow lettering indicating early war issue. 

3 rd Reich Iron Cross second class.  By the way, the USA's phrase "homeland security" in German is "Heimatsicherheit" or "Heimwehr."

Prussia -Kingdom, officer's 25 years service cross. Rare award from that period. This was awarded at the end of Franco-Prussian war of 1870. Straight, flat arms with pebble design indicate 2nd type of the award (first type was awarded around 1825 and third followed in 1880's). Cross in gilded bronze.  Friedrich William III cypher to obverse, roman numerals to reverse. 

Cross of honor of the German mother. Awarded for bearing 6 or more children. 2nd type of the cross. 

WW1 Oldenburg Military decoration of Friedrich August cross 2nd class. Original combattant ribbon. 

Bavaria, War against Austria cross in bronze. High relief to Bavarian National lion within oak wreath, date 1866 to reverse.