German WW1 Commemorative Frontline Soldier's Service Medal

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.

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.

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! 

Owning a Hindenburg Cross is relatively common due to the large number of these medals issued following World War I. Officially known as the Ehrenkreuz des Weltkriegs 1914/1918 (Honor Cross of World War 1914/1918), the Hindenburg Cross was established in 1934 by the German government to honor veterans, surviving widows, and family members of those who served in the Great War. Over 8 million crosses were produced in different variations, including versions for combatants, non-combatants, and surviving relatives.

The crosses were made of durable materials like bronze or zinc, which allowed them to withstand the test of time. Many recipients kept the medal as a symbol of their service or as a keepsake from their loved ones. These medals were often passed down through families, preserved in drawers, attics, or private collections. Over time, surplus or discarded medals were rediscovered in estates, flea markets, or by collectors.