Germany, Wehrmacht. A 1939 Iron Cross I Class, by Hermann Wernstein
(Eisernes Kreuz 1939 II. Klasse). Reinstituted 1 September 1939. (1939-1945 issue). Constructed of iron and silver, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, 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 six o’clock arm with an initial institution date of “1813”, the suspension loop maker marked with Präsidialkanzlei code “5” for Hermann Wernstein, Jena, measuring 44.78 mm (w) x 48.95 mm (h), weighing 19.7 grams, accompanied by its period original package of issue, constructed of light blue paper stock, the exterior bearing an inscription of “EISERNES KREUZ 2. KLASSE 1939” and a maker’s mark of “HERMANN WERNSTEIN, JENA-LÖBSTEDT”, measuring 65 mm (w) x 95 mm (h), retaining its original beige wax paper insert, in overall extremely fine condition.

