Barbarakreuz

[eric]

Here are two badges for the Waffenring der Deutschen Schweren Artillerie. Can someone confirm that these are indeed examples of the Barbarakreuz? I have never seen other examples-- I am just assuming that this is what they are. Both crosses measure 43mm and the 15 year one is hallmarked to Deschler. The 25 year version is not hallmarked.

obverse:
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?...077&p=53090072

reverse:
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?...077&p=53090145

THANKS!

[VerKuilen Ager]

Both the "ehrennadel" and the 2nd class shown by Hüsken for the WdDSA have a 1923 date (can't read whether your 25 year reads 1923 or not). Neither are enameled. I wonder if your's are actually from a forerunner organization or another one altogether?

[eric]

Histaria,
Both badges have the 1923 date--by the way I found one on Carsten Baldes' site where he has the 25 year listed at DM 500,-.

[VerKuilen Ager]

Eric,
My error. It looked like your 15 year read "1921." Hüsken catalogues the 1st class at DM280, 2nd class at DM180, and 25 year at DM500 (probably where Baldes got his valuation). However, Hüsken's 2nd class is an unenameled piece with decorative suspension and jump ring for a ribbon, so we may be looking at apples and oranges here. Anyway, it gives an idea of the ballpark for these things (in Germany).

[eric]

Thanks, Histaria!
You are definitely right about the apples and oranges aspect of things. I just wanted a confirmation that these are examples of the so-called Barbara Kreuz (such a strange name for a German award)
which I assume is a variation of the Anglo term 'Big Bertha'...

[Kurt Doench]

Hi: St. Barbara was the patron saint of the artillery (don't ask me why), so it wouldn't appear that strange to name the "cross" for her. Schleppfux

[VerKuilen Ager]

Here she is on a W.W.I unit badge of the 22nd Landwehr Field Artillery Brigade.