Germany, Federal Republic. A 1939 Grand Cross of the Iron Cross, Exhibition Example by Rudolf Souval, c. 1960

(Großkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939, Museumsstück). Constructed of iron and neusilber, consisting of a Cross Pattée with a blackened magnetic iron core within a ribbed and frosted neusilber 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 twelve o’clock arm topped by an integral loop retaining a suspension ring accompanied by a period original length of neck ribbon, unmarked but demonstrating the characteristics of a high-quality exhibition example produced by Rudolf Souval, Vienna, c. 1960, measuring 62.96 mm (w) x 71.56 mm (h), weighing 41.2 grams, demonstrating minor and sporadic loss of finish to the core resulting in some surface oxidation, a careful representation of the highest grade of the Iron Cross awarded solely to Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring in extremely fine condition.