Cross of Honor of the German Mother in Silver - Miniature

The Honor Cross of the German Mother, also known as the Mother's Cross (Mutterkreuz), represented one of the most significant civilian decorations of Nazi Germany. The silver miniature described here, measuring 19 mm in diameter, represents a reduced version of the official decoration, worn on a ribbon bow with pin.

This award was instituted on December 16, 1938 by Adolf Hitler and was first presented on Mother's Day 1939, May 21st. The Honor Cross was awarded in three classes: Bronze for mothers with four or five children, Silver for mothers with six or seven children, and Gold for mothers with eight or more children. The decoration was intended to support National Socialist population policy and emphasize the role of women as mothers in the “Third Reich.”

The design of the Honor Cross was created by Professor Klein, a female artist from Munich. It featured a blue enameled cross with the words "Der Deutschen Mutter" (To the German Mother) on the obverse, surrounded by a white ring. At the center was the swastika, symbol of the Nazi regime. The reverse bore the inscription "16. Dezember 1938" along with Adolf Hitler's signature. The ribbon was white with light blue borders, colors traditionally associated with motherhood.

Miniatures of this decoration were produced for everyday wear, as the full-sized Honor Cross measured approximately 40 mm and was considered too large for certain occasions. The 19 mm diameter miniature could be attached to clothing and allowed recipients to display their award during less formal occasions. The version described here with ribbon bow and pin was particularly practical for daily use.

By the end of World War II, approximately 4.7 million Mother's Crosses had been awarded, most of them in bronze. The silver class was considerably rarer and required that the mother have at least six living children or children killed in war. The award criteria were strict and contained ideological components: the mother had to be “hereditarily healthy,” lead an “honorable life,” and raise her children in the “National Socialist spirit.”

Presentations were conducted ceremonially by local Nazi functionaries, often on Mother's Day. The Honor Cross came with special privileges: recipients were to receive particular respect in public, preferential treatment at government offices, and could occupy special seats at public events. Younger members of the Hitler Youth were instructed to salute the wearers.

Miniatures were manufactured by various producers throughout the German Reich. Quality varied depending on the manufacturer and production period. Examples from the early award period were often of higher craftsmanship quality than later wartime productions, where material and labor shortages led to simplifications.

After the war's end in 1945, Control Council Law No. 1 of September 20, 1945 prohibited all orders and decorations of the Nazi regime. Wearing the Mother's Cross was forbidden as it was considered a symbol of National Socialist ideology. In the postwar period, the award was critically viewed as an instrument of Nazi population policy and propaganda.

Today, such miniatures are historical documents that provide insight into the everyday culture and propaganda mechanisms of the “Third Reich.” They are preserved in museums and private collections as contemporary witnesses and serve historical research and education about National Socialist social policy.