Germany, Wehrmacht. A 1939 Iron Cross I Class, with Case, by Paul Meybauer

(Eisernes Kreuz 1939 I. Klasse mit Etui). Instituted 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 reinstitution date of “1939”, the reverse with a block hinge and tapering vertical pinback meeting a round wire catch, unmarked but demonstrating the physical characteristics of manufacture by Paul Meybauer, Berlin, measuring 43.95 mm (w) x 44.20 mm (h), weighing 16.0 grams, accompanied by its original presentation case, constructed of a heavy card stock frame with a faux black leather exterior liner, the lid bearing an embossed and silvered Cross Pattée, the interior with a white rayon lid liner and intact hinge cover, the former maker marked “PAUL MAYBAUER, BERLIN”, with a slotted white felt medal bed, closing with a functional metal spring catch with exterior stud release, measuring 70 mm (w) x 70 mm (l) x 20 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.