Germany. A German Cross In Gold, By Deschler, Attributed To To Hauptmann Bruns

This is a fine quality manufacture and extremely well preserved German Cross in Gold (Deutsches Kreuz in Gold); the cross consisting of a double-overlaid sunburst pattern with eight points; the center with a black enameled rotated (mobile) swastika, with the enamels well preserved without chipping of any kind and only minor contact marks; within a stamped gilded circular wreath impressed with oak leaves, ribbons, and the introduction year “1941”; the inner and outer sides of the wreath feature a thin red enameled rings with a silver core in the middle; the reverse plain, with six raised rivets and a short vertical pinback with a sheet metal hinge and a slightly rounded flat wire catch; an unmarked example, but displaying typical manufacturing characteristics of “Deschler & Sohn, München”; measuring 63.23 mm (w) x 62.92 mm (w); weighing 68.0 grams; in overall better than extremely fine condition. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity by Detlev Niemann.

Footnote: This German Cross in Gold was acquired dircetly from the family of the recipient. It is accompanied by a copy of the award was bestowed upon Diedrich Bruns on February 5th, 1942. It is also accompanied by a copy of a studio portrait of the recipient. Diedrich Bruns was born on March 17, 1897 in Potenburg near Tossens at the North Sea. He volunteered for service at the beginning of the First War and served on the Western Front. Bruns made it to Lieutenant by March of 1915. He was awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class as a company leader during heavy defensive battles near Roi, France. After the war he worked as a farmer. In 1938 Bruns rejoined the army and participated in the Sudetenland annexation. He was promoted to Hauptmann (Captain) on August 27, 1939, leading the 4th Company of Infantry Regiment 16 during the Polish campaign. For his role during the occupation of the Netherlands he received the Clasp to the Iron Cross 1st Class. During the attack on Russia Bruns was wounded in July of 1941, but was back on his feet by August. In the course of the taking of the Crimean peninsula and Sevastopol he distinguished himself and was therefore awarded the German Cross in Gold on February 5, 1942. Shortly after, on March 1, Bruns was promoted to Major. During the second attack on the fortress Sevastopol Bruns was wounded in the thigh by a sharpshooter. For his leadership role of the 2nd Battalion of Infantry Regiment 16 he received the Knight’s Cross on August 9, 1942. Bruns was hospitalised for more than a year. Afterwards, now in the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, he was stationed on the island of Crete. When the German forces had to fall back during the Russian offensives of 1944 Bruns and his troops retreated through the Balkans. Eventually he made it back to Germany. Both his sons died during the war, one in late 1944 in Yugoslavia, the other in 1945 near Bremen while fighting the British. Bruns died on October 29, 1988 at the age of 91 and was buried with military honours.