Germany, Wehrmacht. A 1939 Iron Cross I Class, by Paul Meybauer, Dietrich Maerz Collection

(Eisernes Kreuz 1939 I. Klasse mit Etui). 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 reinstitution date of “1939”, the reverse with a barrel hinge and banjo-style pinback meeting a round wire catch, the pinback marked with code “7” for maker Paul Meybauer, Berlin, measuring 44.05 mm (w) x 44.09 mm (h), weighing 16.8 grams, accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of heavy card stock with a faux black leather exterior, the obverse lid with a silver Cross Pattée, the interior with a white satin-type lid liner and intact hinge cover, maker marked “PAUL MEYBAUER, BERLIN”, with a slotted white felt medal bed, opening with a functional magnetic metal spring catch with exterior stud release and a functional magnetic metal hinge, measuring 68 mm (w) x 68 mm (l) x 19 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

Footnote: From the collection of Dietrich Maerz.