Germany, Wehrmacht. A 1939 Iron Cross I Class, with Case, by Paul Meybauer

(Eisernes Kreuz 1939 I. Klasse mit Etui). Reinstituted 1 September 1939. (1939-1945 issue). Constructed of iron and silver, consisting of a vaulted 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 banjo-style pinback meeting a round wire catch, the pinback maker marked with Präsidialkanzlei code “7” for Paul Maybauer, Berlin, measuring 44.08 mm (w) x 44.38 mm (h), weighing 16.2 grams, accompanied by its original presentation case, constructed of a light wooden frame with a faux black leather exterior liner, the lid bearing a silver Cross Pattée, the interior with a white rayon lid liner and intact hinge cover, the former bearing a maker’s mark of “PAUL MEYBAUER, BERLIN”, with a slotted beige felt medal bed, closing with a functional metal spring catch with exterior stud release, measuring 68 mm (w) x 68 mm (l) x 24 mm (h), the cross was vaulted post-manufacture and demonstrates consequent spacing between the core and frame, with additional minor loss of finish visible to the core, in overall better than very fine condition.