Germany, Wehrmacht. A Rare 1914 Iron Cross I Class, with 1939 Clasp, by B.H. Mayer

(Eisernes Kreuz 1914 I. Klasse mit Spange 1939). Constructed of iron and silvered tombak, the obverse consisting of a Cross Pattée with a blackened magnetic iron core within a ribbed silvered frame, the obverse with a central initial “W”, the six o’clock arm with a reinstitution date of “1914”, the reverse with a screw and backplate, maker marked with Präsidialkanzlei code “L/18” for B.H. Mayer, Pforzheim, topped on the twelve o’clock arm by an integrated clasp consisting of a Wehrmacht-style German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, in turn above a trapezoidal plaque bearing a raised date of “1939”, the cross measuring 44.09 mm (w) x 74.52 mm (h) overall, weighing 37.9 grams, a rare and quintessential example of a combined B.H. Mayer piece in extremely fine condition.