Germany, Federal Republic. A Cased German Cross in Gold, 1957 Version

(Deutsches Kreuz in Gold mit Etui). Instituted 28 September 1941. (1941-1945 issue; 1957 reissue). Constructed of gilded, silvered, and patinated bronze, consisting of an eight-pointed radiant star with a double-overlaid sunburst pattern, the center with a 1957-style Iron Cross in the center, within a stamped gilded circular wreath impressed with oak leaves, ribbons, and the institution year of “1941”; the wreath is trimmed on both the interior and exterior with thin red enameled bands, the reverse with a barrel hinge and vertical pinback meeting a flat wire catch, unmarked, measuring 64.51 mm (w) x 63.93 mm (h), weighing 68.8 grams, accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of heavy card stock with a faux black leather exterior, the interior with padded white satin-type lid liner and intact hinge cover, with a slotted black velvet medal bed, unmarked, measuring 106 mm (w) x 108 mm (l) x 28 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.