Opinions on this Red Cross DRK 1st Class

[bobcam1]

I can pick up this Red Cross DRK First Class Neck Order for a song, but I'd like opinions on it's authenticity, before I do.....These are the only photos I have.
No better place than right here to get the lowdown....

Cheers,
Bob.

[juoneen]

Could that be a social service cross, doesnt look like a red cross medal. Looks real nice to me.No case huh?

[badge5050]

It is a Ehrenzeichen Für Deutche Volkspflege SonderStufe.

A nice item, and looks good to me..

Here is a pic of another one.. I would go for it.

[jiipee76]

It is a Ehrenzeichen Für Deutche Volkspflege SonderStufe.

A nice item, and looks good to me..

Here is a pic of another one.. I would go for it.

SonderStufe means Special Class,and D.Niemanns book tells that there is no proof that this class ever existed.

I believe proper name for this one is: Ehrenzeichen Fur Deutsche Volkspflege 1.Stufe/Halskreuz. German Social Welfare Cross,1st class/neckcross.

[badge5050]

SonderStufe means Special Class,and D.Niemanns book tells that there is no proof that this class ever existed.

I believe proper name for this one is: Ehrenzeichen Fur Deutsche Volkspflege 1.Stufe/Halskreuz. German Social Welfare Cross,1st class/neckcross.

You are absolutely right, - it is not a Sonderstufe, butt a 1st. class, I was a little to fast there..

But according to both Kahl and Ltttelejohn/Dodkins the Sonderstufe did exist (it is a Breast star) there is a pic of it in “Orders, Decorations, Medals and Badges of the 3R” page 36.

[bobcam1]

Thanks for setting me straight on what decoration it is.... I think I'll grab it!

(....and, juoneen......unfortunately, no case... )

Bob.

[badge5050]

Thanks for setting me straight on what decoration it is.... I think I'll grab it!

(....and, juoneen......unfortunately, no case... )

Bob.

Bob

If you don´t like it... I´ll take it Gezz have I been loking for those ...yes..

[jiipee76]

Thanks for setting me straight on what decoration it is.... I think I'll grab it!

(....and, juoneen......unfortunately, no case... )

Bob.

I would definetly grab this one.Very nice looking award.

Only 1 "higher" class version awarded(same class,but with diamonds).

Can i ask,how much this one is asked for (approx.)?

[badge5050]

I Only 1 "higher" class version awarded(same class,but with diamonds).

Yes but awarded and produced are not the same.. and according to:
http://www.ww2awards.com/award/678
The two classes did exist.

Anyway.. this should be some of the recipients (Thanx to Coburg, Denver)

Ehrenzeichen für Deutsche Volkspflege ( German Social Welfare Decoration )

1. Stufe / Grand Cross Breast Star and 1st Class

SS-Obergruppenführer Werner Lorenz
SS-Obergruppenführer Karl Wolff
SS-Gruppenführer Erich Hilgenfeldt
SS-Obergruppenführer Friedrich Karl Freiherr von Eberstein

Source: Personal Notes, Photos (Coburg)

[jiipee76]

Do you have picture of the special class cross there? I would like to see it as none of the books i have does not have any pictures of such award.

According to Dr. Heinrich Doehle´s(former SS Colonel) book: Die Auszeichnungen des Grossdeutschen Reichs (1943 made original)

There were 4 official classes:
-1st class cross
-2nd class cross
-3rd class cross
-4th class medal

There is notice on the book about Special Class,which was 1st class cross with star.But even this book does not tell about wheter Hitler awarded that version ever.

Doehle was an SS-Oberführer and the Ministerial Director of the Presidential Chancellery of the Führer and Reichs Chancellor so he was the man who know more than anyone about Nazi orders,medals and badges.

[badge5050]

Here is the pictures I have, - they are form “Orders, Decoration, Medals and Badges” by David Litteljohn and C.M.. Dodkins (I hope they forgive for scanning those pictures)<O</O
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Text is as Follow:<O</O
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Special Class (Sonderstufe) A Silver breast star identical to that of the former Red Cross Grand Cross except for the substitution of the Volkspflege type of eagle and swastika in the centre. This star was worn on the left Breast with a <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:metricconverter w:st="on" ProductID="100 mm">100 mm</st1:metricconverter> wide sash (worn over the right shoulder) from the juncture of which hangs a <st1:metricconverter w:st="on" ProductID="52 mm">52 mm</st1:metricconverter> wide sash “Badge” (a cross from a double oak leaf suspension). The cross of the 1<SUP>st</SUP>. Class was worn at the same time round the neck.

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[badge5050]

1<SUP>st</SUP>. class with Diamonds (1. Stufe mit Brillianten). Similar crosses to the first Class expect that the arms of the cross, the oak leaves and the centre part of the suspension loop are covered with small diamonds. This grade was awarded only to ladies of high rank. It was worn from a bow on the left shoulder.<O</O
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