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). 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 flat wire catch, unmarked but with the physical characteristics of manufacture by Rudolf Souval, Vienna, measuring 44.45 mm (w) x 44.82 mm (h), weighing 17.6 gram, accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of a heavy card stock frame with a faux black leather exterior, the exterior 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 spring catch with exterior stud release and a functional metal hinge, unmarked, measuring 66 mm (w) x 66 mm (l) x 22 mm (h), moderate loss of paint and some oxidation is evident to the core of the cross, in addition to some material fatigue of the case, in overall very fine condition.