Germany, Wehrmacht. A German Cross in Gold, by Deschler & Sohn

(Deutsches Kreuz in Gold). Instituted 28 September 1941. (1941-1945 issue). A rare “Category 1” version of the German Cross in Gold, of multi-piece construction, with tombak and multi-coloured enamels, consisting of an eight-pointed radiant star, the obverse centre with a raised black enameled mobile swastika on a silver field, surrounded by a gilt laurel leaf wreath with bottom date of “1941”, the reverse with ten rivets holding obverse features in place visible, with a barrel hinge and banjo-style pinback meeting a round wire catch, unmarked but with physical characteristics of manufacture by Deschler & Sohn, München, measuring 63.32 mm (w) x 63.17 mm (h), weighing 59.0 grams, some tarnishing and flecking of enamels evident, otherwise in near extremely fine condition.