Germany, Wehrmacht. A 1939 Iron Cross II Class, by Fritz Zimmermann

(Eisernes Kreuz 1939 II. Klasse). Reinstituted 1 September 1939. (1939-1945 issue). Constructed of iron and silver, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, 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 six o’clock arm with an initial institution date of “1813”, unmarked but demonstrating the physical characteristics of manufacture by Fritz Zimmermann, Stuttgart, measuring 44.14 mm (w) x 47.42 mm (h), weighing 20.6 grams, accompanied by its original package of issue, constructed of blue-grey paper stock, the exterior bearing an inscription of “EISERNES KREUZ 2. KLASSE 1939” and a handwritten recipient’s name which appears to read “OB. GEFR (OBERGEFREITER) SCHEMMEL”, with a maker’s mark of “FRITZ ZIMMERMANN, STUTTGART”, measuring 10.5 cm (w) x 13 cm (h), in overall extremely fine condition.