Germany, Wehrmacht. A 1939 Iron Cross I Class, with Case, by Rudolf Souval

(Eisernes Kreuz 1939 I. Klasse). 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 restitution date of “1939”, the reverse with a block hinge and banjo-style pinback meeting a flat wire catch, unmarked but demonstrating the physical characteristics of manufacture by Rudolf Souval, Vienna, measuring 44.29 mm (w) x 44.48 mm (h), weighing 20.3 grams, accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of a wooden frame with a faux black leather exterior liner, the lid bearing a silver Cross Pattée, the interior with a white rayon 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 70 mm (w) x 68 mm (l) x 25 mm (h), the cross demonstrates a consisting patina with minor wear to the core, in overall better than very fine condition.