An Imperial German Battle Of Champagne Commemorative Cross

An Imperial German Battle of Champagne Commemorative Cross (Weimarer Republik, Champagne Kreuz), 1914-1918; two piece construction alloy with gilt-edged black and blue enamels’ the obverse a Maltese shaped cross with a central gilt-edged black enamel medallion inscribed in gilt with “Champagne, 1914-1918”; the reverse plain; maker marked “Fleck & Sohn, Hamburg 3” and “Ges. Gesch” (for gesetzlich geschützt = legally protected, i.e. a registered design) on reverse; double loops for ribbon suspension; measuring 40 mm x 40 mm; very fine condition

Footnote: This cross was created by the Ehrenbund der Champagnekämpfer veterans association in 1920 and was awarded to veterans who participated in either the Somme, Verdun, Argonne, Champagne battles, or on the Eastern Front. All were made by the same maker and were privately purchased by the veterans. They were banned by the Nazis in 1935.