Kruckenkreuz#

Cross Potent, (Teutonic cross), cross with flat bars across the ends of its 4 arms, symbol of the Fatherland Front. First proven existence in the Neolithic, then in China, in antiquity and in Latin American civilisations. In the Middle Ages it was used as a mintmark and in art, as well as a symbol for crusaders (Cross of Jerusalem) and as a coat of arms of the Holy Sepulchre. I. Seipel considered it a sign of redemption; from 1922 onwards it was minted on the reverse of the 2-groschen coin, from 1931 onwards also on the 5-groschen coins. From 1922 onwards the cross potent served as a badge of honour awarded for services to the Republic of Austria. In 1933 it was introduced as the symbol of the Vaterlaendische Front (Fatherland Front), emphasising its Christian character and standing in contrast to the swastika of the National Socialists. From 1935 onwards it had the same meaning and importance as the state flag; its official use in the Corporate State was laid down in the federal law of December 28, 1936.

Literature#