Germany, Wehrmacht. An Early and Scarce 1939 Iron Cross I Class, with Case and Bearer Photograph

(Eisernes Kreuz 1939 I. Klasse mit Etui und Bild). 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 raised crimped barrel hinge and tapering vertical pinback meeting a flat wire catch, unmarked, an early type, very scarce, measuring 44.36 mm (w) x 44.38 mm (h), weighing 18.8 grams, accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of heavy card stock with a faux black leather exterior, the interior with a white satin lid liner and intact hinge cover, with a slotted off-white feld medal bed, opening with a functional spring catch with exterior stud release and a functional metal hinge, unmarked, measuring 66 mm (w) x 66 mm (l) x 20 mm (h), also accompanied by a studio photograph of the bearer, depicted in a Heer Oberfeldwebel’s uniform and wearing an Iron Cross II Class ribbon and Infantry Assault Badge in addition to the decoration offered, the reverse with a handwritten dedication and inscription of “URLAUB 20. JULI - 11. AUGUST 1942” (“VACATION 20. JULI - 11. AUGUST 1942”), measuring 53 mm (w) x 74 mm (h), some loss of black finish evident to the cross, a rare early and cased example of a I Class decoration in overall better than very fine condition.