WW I Prussian War Service Cross Question

[Scott C.]

Please forgive my ignorance, but all the WW I Prussian War Service Crosses I've seen have been made of what looks to be grey zinc or 'pot metal'. Were these ever struck in a higher quality metal? If so, I'd love to see an example.

Thanks!

[MauserKar98k]

The Prussian War Aid Cross was made in Aluminum early on. Examples of those are considerably more expensive than the zinc ones.

http://www.ehrenzeichen-orden.de/deu...enst-1916.html

[Ammersee]

I think those were made from top quality zinc. (If there is such a thing as quality zinc) I've never seen one of those awards with the dreaded "zinc pest"...the little bubbles that form on bad quality zinc items. Gary

[MauserKar98k]

I think those were made from top quality zinc. (If there is such a thing as quality zinc) I've never seen one of those awards with the dreaded "zinc pest"...the little bubbles that form on bad quality zinc items. Gary

I have a minty example has a tiny spot of zinc pest on it. I keep desiccant packets in its case to try and keep it from spreading.

[Scott C.]

Thanks gentlemen. I'd love to see an aluminum example!

[Scott C.]

The Prussian War Aid Cross was made in Aluminum early on.

Found one! It's significantly lighter (6 grams) than my two zinc counterparts (15-19 grams). As would be expected, the aluminum finish has a bit more metalic "brightness" to it than the dark grey zink pieces.

[Don D.]

Sweet. Congrats on finding one.

[VtwinVince]

I think Trevor found one recently in silver, didn't he?

[streptile]

Indeed I did.

[Scott C.]

Wow - that has to be the ultimate version of this cross. The recipient must have been someone special. Thanks for posting it!

[ccj]

What was this decoration awarded for? I think Ludendorff and Hindenburg wore these....

[römischIX]

for war aid at the home front.

[streptile]

Here is another aluminum (currently for sale):