Germany, Wehrmacht. A 1939 Iron Cross I Class, by Klein & Quenzer
(Eisernes Kreuz 1939 I. Klasse). 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 with a reinstitution date of “1939”, the reverse with a block hinge and banjo-style pinback meeting a round wire catch, the pinback maker marked with Präsidialkanzlei code “65” for Klein & Quenzer, Idar-Oberstein, measuring 44.21 mm (w) x 44.37 mm (h), weighing 20.1 grams, oxidation is evident to the core and the frame has partially separated along the seam of the six o’clock arm, in overall very fine condition.