WWII German Panzer Officer’s Embroidered German Cross in Gold Cloth Breast Insignia

WWII German Panzer Officer’s Embroidered German Cross in Gold Cloth Breast Insignia

An attractive and increasingly scarce German Cross in Gold (Deutsches Kreuz in Gold) embroidered cloth breast insignia, intended for wear by Panzer personnel during the Second World War. Unlike the more commonly encountered metal pin-back examples, cloth versions were privately purchased and sewn directly onto the field tunic, making surviving originals highly desirable among collectors of German military insignia.

This example features the characteristic eight-pointed silver-grey embroidered star executed in twisted bullion-style thread on a black wool backing, with a finely embroidered black swastika mounted on a light linen centre. Surrounding the centre is the distinctive gold bullion wreath, bordered by the correct red embroidered ring, all faithfully representing the prestigious decoration awarded for repeated acts of bravery or exceptional military leadership beyond the requirements of the Iron Cross 1st Class, but below the Knight’s Cross.

The black wool backing identifies this example as the Panzer (Army Armoured Troops) version, intended for wear on the right breast pocket of the black Panzer wrap or other authorised uniforms. The embroidery displays excellent period craftsmanship with pleasing age and patina to the gilt wreath, while retaining strong detail throughout.

The German Cross in Gold was instituted on 28 September 1941 and was awarded to approximately 24,000 members of the Wehrmacht during the war. Cloth examples were produced in far smaller numbers than their metal counterparts, with Panzer examples being particularly sought after due to their association with Germany’s elite armoured formations.

A fine original wartime embroidered award that would make an excellent addition to any advanced collection of German Panzer, Wehrmacht or Third Reich insignia.