The Ehrenkreuz (Honor Cross for Next of Kin - or the Hindenburg Cross) was instituted on 13 July 1934 by the German Reichspräsident Paul von Hindenburg.  It was awarded retroactively to the parents and widows of the WWI fallen (irrespective of whether in combat, died from wounds, or died as a Prisoner of War).  The vast majority were officially distributed in late-1934 to early-1936 and were accompanied by an award certificate.  By many estimates, a total of approximately 345,132 were awarded to widows and 373,950 to parents.  There were 2 other versions of this Cross which are not covered in this particular guide (for combatants and non-combatants).

The Cross was designed by Eugen Godet and the final design was approved in early-1934.  The The die struck black colored Cross is manufactured from an iron alloy which is very responsive to a magnet test.  A tri-curled loop for the suspension ring is an integral part and is not affixed, rather it's formed after the Cross is struck.  The obverse has the date 1914-1918 centered, surrounded with an oak leaf wreath bundled with a ribbon at the bottom, and has a pair of crossed swords extending diagonally upwards (left and right) and outward with the hilt lower-most.  The reverse is flat and plain except for the maker's embossed mark. 

(photo pending)

Ehrenkreuz

This particular German medal is fairly low priced and is very rarely subject to forgery or copies.  The most common copy is cast and then painted, making it fairly obvious to most collectors.  A common original brings about $25 -$50 (with original ribbon but no mount or certificate).  Missing the suspension ring, damaged, repaired or anything less than a servicable medal basically renders it valueless with about $10 being the absolute most optimistic price (if it can be sold at all).  Like all medals, if it's documented to a particular recipient the price will exceed these estimates.  I would caution you to be wary of any rare Hindenburg Crosses based solely on the maker's mark.  Almost every manufacturer produced these in the thousands.  The smallest known production run was still over 1,000.  Survivability and desirability are different issues which are not covered in this guide since they are issues for speciality collectors and are subject to scholarly studies.  

When preparing to bid on eBay for a Hindenburg Cross you should consider the condition, maker's mark, ribbon, any extras, and definately the reputation and return policy of the seller.  Pass on those that state no returns or will accept it back only if proven to be a fake or those with questionable feedback.   Ask all question prior to bidding and if you're fortunate enough to win, contact the seller with payment arrangements in a timely manner.  Please see my blog (http://blogs.ebay.com/tsa-li) for further information.   Thanks for viewing!