1943 WWII Authentic Military Cross GRI Issue EXTREMELY FINE With Original Case For Sale

1943 Second World War Authentic Military Cross GRI Issue WWII EXTREMELY FINE With Original Case

Condition:

Cross Itself: This piece is in extremely fine condition, clean, sharp, defined. Nice dark oxidization to the silver on the obverse. Obverse is without scuffing, scratches, dents, chips, etc. At the reverse, oxidization at the end of each arm of the cross. Hair thin, surface level scuffing at the reverse.

Ornamental Box:

Possibly one of the best conditioned original ornamental boxes I’ve come across in my many years as a collector (I am 80 years old this year, so I’ve been around!) At the interior, when opened you will find that the interior silk like flip open top is indented with the shape of the ribbon, and cross - the result of being “pressed” against the two since 1943. The exterior leather of the box (and in spots along the edges of the interior) bears a few scuffs scuffs and chips. The royal hand tooled crown of gold at the front top center is absolutely flush… beautiful.

Box is perfectly functional. Push button open is perfect, as well as “snap close” brass mechanism.

Ribbon:

Slight discoloration of the white stripes (yellowing). Pin mechanism perfect. Fits nice and snug in its placeholder within the box. ONLY item of note when it comes to this entire ensemble is the cross medal and ribbon are not attached (missing the little circular ring (very easy to replace). I purchased this piece in London in 1976, and when I purchased - I was told that the former owner removed the cross from the ribbon at one point, threaded a piece of string through the top of the cross, and hung it on his bedpost! When the antiques shop I purchased from in 1976 originally acquired the piece, it was brought to them as you see now - cross and ribbon separate.

Quick Notes:

Medal, ribbon and fitted original box of issue ornamental Greek cross (arms flare slightly at the extremities) in silver. Obverse design: plain 'GRI' cypher in the centre of smaller raised Greek cross superimposed upon the principal cross. At the end of each arm of the principal cross an Imperial crown. Note date of award (‘1943') in the official 'Chisel' style engraved on reverse of lower vertical arm of the cross). Suspender: straight bar, slotted.

Ribbon colours: purple and white. Ribbon pattern: white/purple/white.

About The Military Cross:

The Military Cross (MC) is a prestigious third-level military decoration awarded in recognition of “an act or acts of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy on land to all members, of any rank in Our Armed Forces.”

It is awarded to officers of the British Armed Forces and Commonwealth forces for acts of exemplary gallantry and leadership in combat and it’s one of the highest awards for bravery and valor that an officer can receive. The Military Cross is also open to officers of all ranks, including commissioned officers, non-commissioned officers, and warrant officers.

The award was created on 28 December 1914 for commissioned officers of the substantive rank of Captain or below and for Warrant Officers. In August 1916, Bars were awarded to the MC in recognition of the performance of further acts of gallantry meriting the award and recipients of a bar continue to use postnominal letters MC. In 1931 the award was extended to Majors and also to members of the Royal Air Force for actions on the ground.

The Military Cross Awardees:

During World War I, Acting Captain Francis Wallington of the Royal Field Artillery was the first person to be awarded the MC.

Throughout its history, though, the Military Cross has been awarded in various conflicts, including both World Wars and more recent military operations. Recipients of the Military Cross are recognized for their exceptional bravery and leadership in the service of their country.

Here are five individuals who have received the Military Cross:

Captain Charles Upham – He was a New Zealand soldier who received the Military Cross twice during World War II for his bravery and leadership in the Battle of Crete and the North African campaign.

Captain Tom Moore – Captain Tom Moore, a British Army officer, was awarded the Military Cross during World War II for his outstanding courage and service in the Burma Campaign.

Lieutenant Colonel Herbert “H” Jones – He received the Military Cross posthumously during the Falklands War in 1982 for his exceptional leadership and bravery during the Battle of Goose Green.

Captain Guy Gibson – Captain Gibson was a British Royal Air Force pilot who was awarded the Military Cross for his leadership in the famous “Dambusters” raid during World War II.

Major Charles Whittlesey – An American officer, Major Whittlesey was awarded the Military Cross for his valor during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive in World War I.

The Military Cross Design:

The Military Cross measures 46 mm max height and 44 mm max width, and shows an ornamental silver cross with straight arms terminating in broad finials.

The obverse is decorated with imperial crowns and the Royal Cypher in the center. The reverse is plain, but from 1938 the year of issue has been engraved on the lower limb of the cross.

Parting Notes:

This is one of those pieces in my collection that I - never - imagined I would part with… that said, my grown children seem to have no interest in military collectibles, or the history attached to those collectibles. My hope is that this piece will go off to someone who admires and appreciates this piece and what it stands for as much as I have through the many, many years. It will be a bittersweet moment when this goes out, but that said? I take solace in knowing long after I am gone, this piece will continue to receive the “time in the light” it so deserves! (:

~If you have any further questions, or would like to see any additional photos, please do not hesitate to reach out in the form of an email. I will get back to you promptly. Will ship overseas, but not responsible for any customs fees that might be incurred.