Germany, Wehrmacht. A 1939 Iron Cross I Class, with Case, by Klein & Quenzer
(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 block hinge and tapering vertical pinback meeting a round wire catch, the pinback marked with Präsidialkanzlei code “65” for Klein & Quenzer, Idar-Oberstein, measuring 44.21 mm (w) x 44.14 mm (h), weighing 21.0 grams, accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of a heavy card stock frame with a faux black leather exterior, the lid bearing a silver embossed Cross Pattée, the interior with a white rayon lid liner and intact hinge cover, with a slotted white feld medal bed, opening with a functional metal spring catch with exterior stud release and a functional metal hinge, unmarked, measuring 68 mm (w) x 68 mm (l) x 20 mm (h), with extensive oxidation evident to the core of the cross, in overall fair condition.

