Germany, Wehrmacht. A 1939 Iron Cross I Class, by Paul Meybauer
(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 arm with a reinstitution date of “1939”, the reverse with a block hinge and early-style tapering pinback meeting a round wire catch, the pinback maker marked with Präsidialkanzlei code “7” for Paul Maybauer, Berlin, measuring 43.92 mm (w) x 44.26 mm (h), weighing 15.6 grams, demonstrating moderate loss of finish to the core with consequent surface oxidation, in very fine condition.