Germany, Wehrmacht. A 1939 Iron Cross I Class, with Case, by Rudolf Souval

(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 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 flat wire catch, unmarked but with the physical characteristics of manufacture by the firm of Rudolf Souval, Wien, measuring 44.60 mm (w) x 44.69 mm (h), weighing 18.6 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 beige felt medal bed, opening with a functional magnetic metal spring catch with exterior stud release, unmarked, measuring 70 mm (w) x 68 mm (l) x 22 mm (h), within its period original package, constructed of tan-coloured card stock, the exterior bearing an inscription of “EISERNES KREUZ 1. KLASSE 1939” (“IRON CROSS 1ST CLASS 1939”) and “NUR VOM EMPFÄNGER ZU ÖFFNEN” (“ONLY FOR THE RECIPIENT TO OPEN”), measuring 75 mm (w) x 70 mm (l) x 24 mm (h), in overall near extremely fine condition.