My new Stalingrad Cross

[John H.]

Hello,

Here is my new Stalingrad Cross that was issued to members of the 44th Infantry Division who survived Stalingrad. Members of the Hoch-und Deutschmeister were issued this as a commemorative badge of honor for their fallen comrades at Stalingrad. This is a nice one attached to an infantry shoulder strap (NCO?). The cross still retains some of the light blue paint / color and the eagle's detail (wings, breast, head) along with the banner Stalingrad all look great. I'm open for opinion on this Stalingrad device, I feel it's 100% right. I would like to know if this device is the "textbook" or "variation" type? I'm hoping to hear from "DJPOOL" and "Dave Suter". Thanks and enjoy! John H.

[John H.]

Stalingrad Cross

Stalingrad Cross Device close up

[John H.]

Stalingrad Cross

Some more views.
thanks!

[Johnny R]

Just out of curiosity how would you explain the lack of fading around the cross but not only directly under it? Is the fabric under the button the same color?

[Schulterklappen]

Stalingrad Cross

Just out of curiosity how would you explain the lack of fading around the cross but not only directly under it? Is the fabric under the button the same color?

The pictures are not the best in the world; so, it makes things a little more difficult to assess. Is the difference in color caused by wear to the nap of the wool on the strap? Close to the cypher the nap seems to be intact. Only my opinion; but, I like what I see in the pictures. Is the cross magnetic?

[John H.]

Stalingrad Cross

This is the way it came originally, with a lot of wear to the fabric of the strap. Under the button there is wear, the thread stitching beneath the button is darker in color while the rest of the stitching around the button hole is white or lighter in color. I was told that the prior owner had put some DW oil on the cross to help preserve it, so this might have caused that discolor look around the cross?

Yes, the cross is magnetic. I hope that is a good sign?

I hope that helps with your questions. How does the Cross look itself?

thanks, John H.

[djpool]

The cross doesn't appear to be a textbook version or the variant version which may or may not be wartime. Of course the pictures you provided aren't the bes,t but I think the differences are significant enough that better pictures aren't necessary. WR Jim

[Johnny R]

Oil would explain that, I was confused how that could happen and thought it was fading. . Can you post a clear detail shot of the device, if you do not have a camera that can take close images you may be able to do it with a flat scanner.

[John H.]

wanted more opinions

Hello,

I'm starting to wonder now? Is this pre 45 or post war? I would really appreciate some more opinions on this new purchase of mine. Would this be a keeper or not? Thanks, guys!

[jacquesf]

Jim is one of the few guys qualified to give an opinion on these. I doubt you will get other informed comments on the device it self. Jacques

[Schulterklappen]

HuD

Here is the one that I have.

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HuD

The back.

[Schulterklappen]

HuD

A close up of the cypher itself.

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HuD

Another close up.

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HuD

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