Germany, Wehrmacht. A 1939 Iron Cross I Class, with Case, by B.H. Mayer

(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 block hinge and banjo-style pinback meeting a flat wire catch, the pinback maker marked with Präsidialkanzlei code “26” for B.H. Mayer, Pforzheim, measuring 44.26 mm (w) x 44.33 mm (h), weighing 15.7 grams, accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of a card stock frame with a faux black leather exterior, the lid bearing a silver embossed Cross Pattée, the interior with a white rayon lid liner and intact hinge cover, with a slotted beige felt medal bed, opening with a functional metal spring catch with exterior stud release and a functional metal hinge, unmarked, measuring 70 mm (w) x 65 mm (l) x 25 mm (h), with material fatigue evident to the case, including bending of the stud release which renders opening of the case difficult, in overall near extremely fine condition.