GERMAN CROSS IN GOLD Scarce document, 1p. large 4to., "Headquarters", Mar. 19, 1943, an award of the German Cross in Gold to Oberstleutnant Peter Augenstein, bearing ink stamp signature of Gen. Wilhelm Keitel. Heavy folds, with a corner tear at upper-right and a tiny hole at left, still generally very good. The German Cross was instituted by Adolf Hitler in 1941 as an award ranking higher than the Iron Cross First Class but below the Knight's Cross. It was issued in gold and silver, the former being an award for bravery, the latter being for distinguished service.