(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 barrel hinge and vertical pinback meeting a flat wire catch, marked underneath the catch with code “L/50” for maker Gebrüder Godet & Co., Berlin, measuring 44.34 mm (w) x 44.29 mm (h), weighing 17.0 grams, accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of heavy card stock with a faux black leather exterior, the exterior lid with a silver embossed Cross Pattée, the interior with a white satin-type lid liner and intact hinge cover, with a slotted off-white velvet medal bed, opening with a functional magnetic metal spring catch with exterior stud release and a functional magnetic metal hinge, unmarked, measuring 68 mm (w) x 68 mm (l) x 23 mm (h), in near extremely fine condition.
Footnote: From the collection of Dietrich Maerz.