Germany, Wehrmacht. A 1939 Iron Cross I Class, with Case, by B.H. Mayer
(Eisernes Kreuz 1939 I. Klasse mit Etui). 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 barren hinge and banjo-style pinback meeting flat wire catch, the pinback maker marked with Präsidialkanzlei code “26” for B.H. Mayer, Pforzheim, measuring 44.15 mm (w) x 44.09 mm (h), weighing 17.1 grams, accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of a card stock frame with a faux black leather exterior liner, the lid bearing a silvered Cross Pattée, the interior with a white rayon lid liner and intact hinge cover, with a slotted beige felt medal bed, closing with a functional metal spring catch with exterior stud release, unmarked, measuring 68 mm (w) x 68 mm (l) x 20 mm (h), with minor loss of finish evident to the core, in overall near extremely fine condition.

