German WW1 Commemorative Frontline Soldier's Service Medal

History of the Artifact

The Hindenburg Medal, formally known as the Cross of Honor of the World War 1914/1918 (Das Ehrenkreuz des Weltkrieges 1914/1918), was established in 1934 by President Paul von Hindenburg to recognize the service of German soldiers in World War I.  The medals were made of bronze or iron, and featured a central laurel wreath with the dates "1914–1918”. There were three variations of the medal: the Combatants' Cross, awarded to frontline soldiers, featuring crossed swords; the Non-Combatants' Cross, for those who served in non-combat roles, without the swords; and the Next-of-Kin Cross, posthumously given to families of the fallen, with a black finish. The medals sold here are the Combatants' Cross, awarded to frontline soldiers, featuring the crossed swords.

At war’s end in 1918, the defeated German state had not been able to issue service awards to its combat veterans. The medals provided a way for the German state to formally acknowledge and commemorate the contributions and sacrifices of its military personnel and their families, fostering remembrance of Germany's efforts in World War I. Recipients or their families had to apply for the medal, providing proof of service, and were issued documentation along with the award.

How do I know these are original WW1 medals?

Ancient Artifacts guarantees the Authenticity of items sold through a three layer system of protection: 

1. Ancient Artifacts exclusively sources artifacts from trusted and reputable antique distributors, many of whom have been selling Artifacts for decades.  
2. Next, the Artifact is inspected by an expert team member, who is professionally trained in counterfeit detection After the artifact passes inspection, the Certificate of Authenticity is signed and the Artifact is packaged. 
3. Finally, Ancient Artifacts gives an additional layer of protection by promising a full refund with no questions asked, in the extremely unlikely event that a counterfeit slips through our vetting process.

What will my artifact look like?

Your medal will look very similar to the one shown in the photos. There will always be some variety, given our items are unique historical pieces. If for whatever reason you get anything that does not fit this description you are entitled to your money back! 

Your order will include:

• One authentic WW1 Frontline Soldier's service Medal, as pictured
• Elegant protective case for preservation and display of your artifact 
• Certificate of Authenticity

Ancient Artifacts relics are guaranteed authentic and have a 100% money back policy. Read more about our Mission and Promise for authenticity.