Waffen SS Mussert Cross

[Robin Lumsden]

OK - not strictly German !!

Just picked up this nice example of a Mussert Cross.

These were awarded by the NSB leader to men serving in the Dutch formations of the Waffen-SS.

Hitler prohibited the wearing of the award on German uniforms, but it could be worn on the uniforms of the Dutch Nazi paramilitaries such as the NSB and the WA.

Over 1000 of these were dug up in the garden of Mussert's HQ in The Hague in May, 1945.

The black-and-white photos show the crosses being dug up, and one of the crosses found that day.

The cased awards were contained within many separate boxes, some of which had been penetrated by water, etc., resulting in some of the crosses found being in better condition than others!

[Paul R]

Most impressive Robin. What do cased examples go for these days?

[J Temple-West]

Hi, Robin

Nice looking set, but I have to say.....you are a braver man than I am.

With the controversy surrounding these crosses, I've never quite had the nerve to take the leap into buying one.

Strange that not long ago these cased minty examples were considered as copies, and now there are a number of accepted types. Stories of a cache found in the 70s, more than one set of dies, more than one maker, etc....what to believe.

The example that you show having been dug up...very interesting.

I have another example in my files that is said to have come from the same dig, and as can be seen is a match to the photo; the same width of font, the bend to the left sword handle etc. It has to come from the same dies.

Then there are these "accepted types".... Finer fonts, a difference in the laurels.

So, again... more than one set of dies, more than one maker?

Any info/thoughts?

[Paul R]

The enamel on those look like they were buried for much longer than a month or two.

What do these go for on today's market?

[Robin Lumsden]

Pix for comparison.

The single one is also an accepted original. This type has never been found with its case, so far as I know.

If both of the 'accepted' versions are, indeed, OK, then there must have been at least two makers involved.

Despite the 'glittery' look, the quality is actually extremely good. Very finely gilded bronze.

Photographs can be a bit deceptive.

Edited September 10, 2014 by Robin Lumsden

[Robin Lumsden]

This may explain a bit better how photos can be deceptive.

One of these crosses looks newer and more glittery than the other .................. the enamelling details and font widths look different in places.

One left sword handle seems to bend upwards ............... the other downwards.

But examination of the fine details of the stippling under the translucent red enamel shows that both of these crosses came from the same set of dies ................. so, presumably, the same maker.

Photos speak a thousand words .................. but they can also be misleading !!

[Robin Lumsden]

Paul.

Uncased ones go for about 200 Euros.

They are scarce, but not rare.

[J Temple-West]

Thanks for that, Robin

I think I'll continue to look for a 1st pattern.

[Paul R]

Thanks Robin. I will look up some more history on this medal.

Paul

[Robin Lumsden]

John.

Let me know when you find one !!

[Jock Auld]

Robin,

When you say accepted original, who is doing the accepting? I must admit the further from ground zero we get the more of these 'experts' seem to appear. What are the hard facts that make them 'accepted' originals?

Cheers

Jock

Edited September 11, 2014 by Jock Auld

[Robin Lumsden]

Hello Jock.

That's why I put the word 'accepted' in speech marks !!

I agree with you that these things are all a matter of personal experience and opinion and that there is no such animal as an 'expert' in militaria.

Everyone can get it wrong. I have, many times.

The type 1 is an 'accepted' version also, which is very hard to find, but a photo of it appeared amongst a group of known copies in the old 'Heraldry of War' book published way back in the 1970s.

Both types compare favourably when it comes down to construction techniques measured against other contemporary awards and badges.

[SMITHEE]

Robin you show the 3 awards together with the observation that one is a fake. These are great pictures, but who has made the prediction that they are as they. are?

[Robin Lumsden]

Smithee.

I think this picture came from one of the 'other' forums.

The problem with comparing any similar enamelled items is that each one has to be hand-painted with molten glass, so no two are ever identical.

Personally, I would give the one deemed to be a 'fake' in the photo a sporting chance.

[Robin Lumsden]

These pictures are also relevant.

A screen shot from a film made in 1968 and the cover of a book published in 1969.

Both show the cased 'Type 2' Cross.

Not conclusive by any means, but evidence that this type was around as early as 1968.

[Robin Lumsden]

The NSB referred to this award as the 'Oostlandkruis', not the 'Mussert Cross'.

It was not a bravery award.

It was the NSB equivalent of the Eastern Front Medal, i.e.to be awarded to all NSB combatants on the Eastern Front.

The design was based on that of The Order of Orange-Nassau with Swords ................

[Robin Lumsden]

The design also derived from that of the NSB Internees Medallion of 1941 ...............