Danish WWII Schalburg Cross

History: The exact date the Schalburg Cross was instituted is unknown. It could be later than 1943, otherwise picture(s) of them being worn would have surfaced. It was named after Christian Frederik von Schalburg, commander of the Frikorps Danmark who was killed in combat operations in the Demyansk Pocket in 1942. The cross was manufactured by the Danish firm Heimbürger in Copenhagen.

The cross was awarded to Schalburg Corps members for recognition of service against the Danish resistance movement and for those serving or killed in action in the Eastern Front. It has been recorded once that a cross was awarded to a Schalburg Corps member killed in action probably from the resistance. The Schalburg Cross was intended to be worn on the left breast pocket of its recipient’s uniform.

Rare Schalburg Cross made of Zinc, with its original white and red paint. The cross meassures: 50mm x 50mm. Original and rare fastening pin period soldered in place to the reverse. These crosses have usually pins missing due to fragile nature of the material. There is some white paint flaking. Reverse shows a rather heavy and nice age patina. This cross has never been cleaned.

A textbook example of this rare award, uncleaned with original fastening pin!!