The
Mussert Cross.
Instituted on
Rarity –Rare. Known Makers - Unmarked
The Mussert Cross - Obverse.
The Mussert Cross - Reverse.
Mussert Cross - 3 Examples - Obverse.
Mussert Cross - 3 Examples - Close up - Obverse.
Mussert Cross - 3 Examples - Obverse.
Mussert Cross - 3 Examples - Close up - Reverse.
The Mussert Cross - Ribbon bar.
This award takes the form of a
Bath cross, arms widening with shallower V ends with a large central medallion.
It measures 38 mm across. Following the outer edge of the arms of the cross is
a 2mm line of opaque black enamel. The inner field that is formed on each arm
is in filled with translucent dark red enamel that shows under lay stippling.
The central medallion is of off white opaque enamel, measures 20 mm and is
slightly convexed. This has the Wolf Hook emblem superimposed upon a swastika.
Beneath is a half wreath of oak leaves. Through the quarters of the arms of the
cross are placed swords. From the V off the upper arm of the cross is a finial
through which is placed the ribbon ring.
The reverse takes the same design
as the obverse save that the central medallion has a 2.5 mm tramline into which
in the upper area is the inscription in capital letters Hou en Trou which
translates to steady and True. Around the lower half are 6 oak leaves. All the
metal parts are in gilt.
The ribbon is in the Dutch
National colours and is sky-blue with a central orange stripe on a white
background. It was presented in a maroon oblong card box along with a ribbon
bar with gilt crossed swords. Examples
of the cross have been encountered with the swords not present. Together with
the fact that the ribbon bar is with swords has given rise to the speculation
that there possibly is a class without swords.
Anton Mussert instituted this award in his own name in the
spring of 1942. It was to recognise the
bravery of Dutch volunteers serving with the Germans on the Russian front.
Permission to award the cross was not sort of Hitler and thus the award could
not be worn on German uniform, but of course it could be worn in Holland on any
NSB or related uniform.
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