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 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 block hinge and banjo-style pinback meeting a flattened catch, maker marked with Präsidialkanzlei code “15” for Friedrich Orth, Vienna, measuring 44.52 mm (w) x 44.41 mm (h), weighing 21.6 grams, accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of a heavy card stock frame with a faux black leather exterior, the lid bearing a silver embossed Cross Pattée, the interior with a white satin-type lid liner and intact hinge cover, with a slotted white felt medal bed, opening with a functional metal spring catch with exterior stud release and a functional metal hinge, unmarked, measuring 70 mm (w) x 70 mm (l) x 22 mm (h), the cross demonstrates evidence of post-manufacture convexing and there is some material fatigue to the case, in overall near extremely fine condition.