Germany, Wehrmacht. A 1939 Iron Cross I Class, With Case, By Alois Rettenmaier

(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 banjo-style pinback meeting a flat wire catch, maker marked with LDO code “L/59” for Alois Rettenmaier, Schwäbisch-Gmund, flanked by one of the firm’s characteristic secondary marks, measuring 44.22 mm (w) x 44.30 mm (h), weighing 15.5 grams, accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of heavy card stock with a faux black leather exterior, the lid with a silver embossed Cross Pattée, the interior with a white satin-type lid liner and intact hinge cover, with a slotted white felt medal bed, opening with a functional metal spring catch with exterior stud release and a functional metal hinge, unmarked, measuring 68 mm (w) x 66 mm (l) x 26 mm (h), in overall near extremely fine condition.