Germany, Wehrmacht. A 1939 Iron Cross I Class, with Case, by Rudolf Souval

(Eisernes Kreuz 1939 I. Klasse). Reinstituted 1 September 1939. (1939-1945 issue). Constructed of iron and silver, consisting of a Cross Pattée with a blackened magnetic iron core within a ribbed silver frame, the obverse with a central mobile swastika, the six o’clock arm with a restitution date of “1939”, the reverse with a block hinge and banjo-style pinback meeting a flat wire catch, unmarked but demonstrating the physical characteristics of manufacture by Rudolf Souval, Vienna, measuring 44.26 mm (w) x 44.42 mm (h), weighing 20.4 grams, accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of a wooden frame with a faux black leather exterior liner, the lid bearing a silver Cross Pattée, the interior with a white rayon liner and intact hinge cover, with a slotted beige felt medal bed, closing with a functional metal spring catch with exterior stud release, unmarked, measuring 70 mm (w) x 68 mm (l) x 25 mm (h), the cross demonstrates a consisting patina with minor wear to the core, with moderate material fatigue evident throughout the case which includes detachment of the lid liner and some friction to the stud release, in overall very fine condition.