More about the product
Cloth German Cross in Gold with C. A. Westmann, Dresden Label
This
cloth German Cross in Gold combines embroidered decoration with a separate metal laurel wreath. Its field-grey backing accords with the Army-style cloth version. Meanwhile, the reverse retains a paper label bearing the name
C. A. Westmann, Dresden.
Construction and embroidered detail
The badge features an eight-pointed starburst formed from dark embroidery and contrasting silver-coloured wire. These radiating elements sit on a shaped field-grey cloth foundation.At the centre, a black embroidered swastika lies against cream-coloured fabric. Fine metallic edging outlines the central emblem, while red thread borders frame the surrounding wreath. The separate metal wreath retains a gold-coloured finish and carries the date
1941.Together, these components reproduce the main features of the metal German Cross in a flexible textile format. On the reverse, breaks in the dark paper covering expose portions of the stitching and underlying construction.
C. A. Westmann, Dresden label
A yellowed paper label remains attached to the reverse. Its blue lettering reads
C. A. Westmann, Dresden, although parts of the name show fading.The
Saxon State Archives’ Dresden commercial-register catalogue records a business under this name. In addition,
eMedals documents a comparable cloth German Cross carrying a Westmann label.These references provide useful context for the attribution. However, the label alone does not establish who manufactured every component or when the label joined this particular badge.
Historical context
The German Cross in Gold recognised repeated combat bravery or distinguished military leadership. It ranked between the Iron Cross First Class and the Knight’s Cross, while remaining a separate award.Recipients wore the decoration on the right breast. The cloth version provided a lighter alternative for uniform wear. For further historical background, see the
Australian War Memorial’s German Cross collection entry.
Condition
The front retains its recognisable design, with visible toning to the embroidery and metal wreath. The central fabric also shows discolouration. Around the perimeter, loose threads and localised fraying are apparent.The reverse paper covering has substantial creasing, tears and missing sections, particularly along one side. Nevertheless, the Westmann label remains present and substantially legible. These details should form part of the condition assessment.Explore related examples in our
Cloth Medals collection.
Image ALT text- IMG_8662.jpeg: Cloth German Cross in Gold front showing embroidered starburst, metal wreath dated 1941 and field-grey backing.
- IMG_8663.jpeg: Reverse of cloth German Cross showing damaged paper backing and C. A. Westmann Dresden label.
