Germany, Wehrmacht. An Unusual 1939 Iron Cross II Class, with Trench Art Italy Pendant, by Hermann Aurich

(Eisernes Kreuz 1939 II. Klasse). Reinstituted 1 September 1939. (1939-1945 issue). Constructed of iron and silver, on loop for suspension from an Italian-German African Campaign Medal 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 “113” for Hermann Aurich, Dresden, measuring 43.26 mm (w) x 43.70 mm (h), weighing 18.5 grams (inclusive of ribbon), accompanied by a trench art map of Italy, constructed of a silvered non-magnetic metal alloy, unmarked, measuring 40 mm (w) x 72 mm (h), perforated with two holes for sew-on attachment, an interesting and unusual pair to a veteran of the North African and Mediterranean threatres in very fine condition.