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 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, accompanied by a privately-purchased case, constructed of a light wooden 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 white felt medal bed, closing with a functional metal spring catch with exterior stud release, unmarked, measuring 68 mm (w) x 68 mm (l) x 24 mm (h), the award demonstrates moderate loss of finish to the core with consequent surface oxidation, in overall very fine condition.