Germany, Wehrmacht. A 1939 Iron Cross II Class, Schinkel Frame by Wilhelm Deumer

(Eisernes Kreuz 1939 I. Klasse). Reinstituted 1 September 1939. (1939-1945 issue). Constructed of iron and silver, consisting of a Cross Pattée with a copper-coated and blackened magnetic iron core within a ribbed silver frame, the obverse with a central mobile swastika, the six o’clock arm with a reinstitution date of “1939”, the reverse with a crimped hinge and narrow banjo-style pinback meeting a round wire catch, unmarked but demonstrating the physical characteristics of an early Schinkel frame version by Wilhelm Deumer, Lüdenscheid, measuring 43.24 mm (w) x 43.20 mm (h), weighing 15.8 grams, with minor loss of finish to the core revealing its copper coating, a scarce version in near extremely fine condition.