Germany, Wehrmacht. A 1939 Iron Cross II Class, by Jakob Bengel

(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”, the suspension loop maker marked with Präsidialkanzlei code “44” for Jakob Bengel, Oberstein, measuring 44.32 mm (w) x 48.46 mm (h), weighing 17.2 grams, accompanied by its period original package of issue, constructed of light blue paper stock the exterior bearing an inscription of “ EISERNES KREUZ 2. KLASSE 1939” and a maker’s mark of “JAKOB BENGEL, OBERSTEIN”, measuring 105 mm (w) x 130 mm (h), with some oxidation evident to the core of the cross, in overall better than very fine condition.