Germany, Wehrmacht. A 1939 Iron Cross I Class, with Case, by Friedrich Orth

(Eisernes Kreuz 1939 I. Klasse mit Etui). Reinstituted 1 September 1939. (1939-1945 issue). Constructed of iron and brass, consisting of a Cross Pattée with a non-magnetic blackened brass 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 block hinge and banjo-style pinback meeting a flat wire catch, the pinback maker marked with Präsidialkanzlei code “15” for Friedrich Orth, Vienna, measuring 44.42 mm (w) x 44.44 mm (h), weighing 21.4 grams, accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of a card stock frame with a faux black leather exterior liner, the exterior lid bearing a silver embossed Cross Pattée, the interior with a white satin-type lid liner and intact hinge cover, with a slotted black felt medal bed, opening with a functional metal spring catch with exterior stud release and a functional metal hinge, unmarked, measuring 68 mm (w) x 68 mm (l) x 22 mm (h), some loss of finish evident to the core of the cross, in overall better than very fine condition.