50 Year Service Cross

[bobcam1]

Hello, all.....
If I'm not mistaken, this cross was discussed here once before, but I don't recall where. I'm thinking of purchasing it, and I'd like opinions.
I have been told that the gilt finish is correct for some of the manufactured examples, and I have also been told that it is NOT correct, and that these 50-Year Decorations should have a silver finished cross with gold finished oakleaves and numeral 50.
I'd like to get one more round of opinions before I decide, if you'd all be so very kind......

Cheers,
Bob.
(Photo courtesy of Collector's Guild)

[ejwahl1]

Bob,

I have yet to see any examples like the one you show. As you have described, a silver cross with gilt wreath and gilt numerals is what appears in the various references both contemporary to the period and those of later publication.

Regards,

Ed

[Robert P.]

Ed is exactly right. I'd shy away from this piece to find a nice textbook piece. Be patient - you'll find one. This one is not correct.

Robert

[Ludwig]

Stay away!

[bobcam1]

As always, I'm grateful for your help and expertise.....Thanks to all!

Cheers,
Bob.

[bobcam1]

Hello, all.....
This evening, I received the following snippet of research from a fellow collector who responded to the photo I sent to him of this 50 Service Award:

_____________________________________________

"Hello Bob,
The info you have been given is incorrect. The all gilt version is for government service, while the silver and gilt version is for private enterprise.

Here is the correct info for you.

On January 30TH 1938, Hitler instituted the Faithful Service Decoration, in three classes, in recognition of long serving civil servants, and public works personnel. The decorations were intended to be an incentive for the civilian population to foster workplace loyalty and create a stable civil service. The three classes of the decoration consisted of the Special class for fifty years of continuous service with the same employer in the free economic system, the 1ST Class decoration for forty years of service and the 2ND class Decoration for twenty-five years service. All three classes followed the same basic design with minor variations. A fourth example exits in the "50" year medal intended for issue to individuals in private enterprise. The only difference in the two was that the normal "50" year example had the cross and wreath portion in gold, while the special "50" year version has the cross silver and the wreath in gold.

Warmest Regards,
Peter"
________________________________________

Now, I'm unsure about whether or not to purchase this award.....Does anyone have any research that would either corroborate or dispute this finding?

Thanks,
Bob.

[Robert P.]

Well, I stand corrected. Good to learn this. Thank you.

Robert

[Peter J.]

Hi Bob,

In my opinion, that's not research but a statement. I have an open mind, so perhaps some additional info, i.g. Verordnungsblatt etc, would give credibility.

cheers
Peter

[speedytop]

Hi bobcam1,

your fellow collector is absolutely wrong with his statement.

Three crosses:

Silver for 25 years faithfull service (2. Stufe für treue Dienste)
Gold for 40 yeas fairhfull service (1. Stufe für treue Dienste)
Siver with golden wreath for 50 years faithfull work (Sonderstufe für treue Arbeit)

Text of the regulations:
"...
Art. 3 Einteilung des Treudienst-Ehrenzeichens
Das Treudienst-Ehrenzeichen wird verliehen:
an Beamte, Angestellte uns Arbeiter im öffentlichen Dienst
-für 25 jährige treue Dienstleistung in der 2. Stufe
-für 40 jährige treue Dienstleistung in der 1. Stufe
an Angestellt und Arbeiter in der freien Wirtschaft
-für 50 jährige treue Dienstleistung in einer Sonderstufe
..."

For 50 years the cross is in silver, the wreath and the number 50 are in gold.

Regards
Uwe

[bobcam1]

Thanks, Uwe!
I've passed this post along to the gentleman who sent me the prior information. I'm grateful to you for providing the proper information. This is the reason that I come here. My knowledge increases exponentially, everyday, when I read the posts here.....

Thanks, again,
Bob.