Germany, Wehrmacht. A Cased 1939 Iron Cross I Class, by C.F. Zimmermann, from the 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 vertical pinback meeting a flat wire catch, the pinback marked on the reverse with code “20” for maker C.F. Zimmermann, Pforzheim, measuring 44.32 mm (w) x 44.44 mm (h), weighing 17.3 grams, accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of heavy card stock with a faux black leather exterior, the lid with a silver embossed Cross Pattée, the interior with a white satin-type lid liner and intact hinge cover, with a slotted white velvet medal bed, opening with a functional magnetic metal spring catch with exterior stud release and a functional magnetic metal hinge, unmarked, measuring 65 mm (w) x 65 mm (l) x 20 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.