Germany, Wehrmacht. A 1939 Iron Cross I Class, with Case, by Wilhelm Deumer

(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 round wire catch, maker marked with LDO code “L/11” for Wilhelm Deumer, Lüdenscheid, measuring 43.88 mm (w) x 43.70 mm (h), weighing 16.1 grams, accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of a heavy card stock frame with a faux black leather liner, the lid bearing a silver embossed Cross Pattée, the interior with a white satin-type lid liner and a slotted beige 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 25 mm (h), also accompanied by its period original shipping case, constructed of brown card stock, the exterior bearing an inscription of “EISERNES KREUZ 1. KLASSE, NUR VON DEM BELIEHENEN ZU ÖFFNEN” (“IRON CROSS I CLASS, ONLY FOR THE RECIPIENT TO OPEN”), measuring 75 mm (w) x 75 mm (l) x 26 mm (h), the shipping case demonstrating some age-appropriate material fatigue, an exceptionally well-preserved and complete set in near mint condition.