History

The Cross of Honour of the German Mother was instituted on December 16, 1938, to recognise women who had given birth and successfully raised a large number of "racially pure" children. The decoration, which was intended to encourage women to bear more children, was considered to be the most significant award that could be conferred upon a woman.

The award was established in three classes, Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Bronze was issued to mothers of 4-5 children, Silver to mothers of 6-7 children, and Gold to mothers of 8 or more children.

The decoration was later expanded to include "ethnic German" mothers, such as women from regions that were incorporated into the German Reich, like Austria.

The first Model features a reverse inscription with a facsimile of Hitler's signature and an additional inscription reading, "DAS KIND ADELT DIE MUTTER," which translates to, "The child ennobles the mother." The first Model of the decoration is very rare. Model II features the institution date and a facsimile of Adolf Hitler's signature on the reverse.