Germany, Wehrmacht. A 1939 Iron Cross I Class by Paul Meybauer, with Case, 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 six o’clock arm marked with a Präsidialkanzlei number “3” for maker Wilhelm Deumer, Lüdenscheid, measuring 43.80 mm (w) x 43.75 mm (h), weighing 16.0 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 off-white velvet medal bed, opening with a functional magnetic metal spring catch with exterior stud release and a functional magnetic metal hinge, unmarked, measuring 74 mm (w) x 74 mm (l) x 20 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

Footnote: From the collection of Dietrich Maerz.