Germany, Wehrmacht. A 1939 Iron Cross I Class, with Case, by Wilhelm Deumer

(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 raised barrel hinge and early-style narrow pinback meeting a flat wire catch, unmarked but demonstrating the characteristics of manufacture by Wilhelm Deumer, Lüdenscheid, measuring 43.98 mm (w) x 44.02 mm (h), weighing 16.0 grams, accompanied by its original presentation case, constructed of a light wooden frame with faux black leather exterior liner, the lid bearing a silver Cross Pattée, the interior with a white rayon lid liner and intact hinge cover, with a slotted beige felt medal bed, the former maker marked “WILHELM DEUMER, LÜDENSCHEID”, closing with a functional metal spring catch with exterior stud release, measuring 70 mm (w) x 70 mm (l) x 22 mm (h), loss of finish is visible to the core of the cross which has exposed Deumer’s classic copper coating, in addition to moderate material fatigue of the case, in overall better than very fine condition.