Germany, Wehrmacht. A 1939 Iron Cross I Class With Case, By Deschler & Sohn, Dietrich Maerz Collection

(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 crimped barrel hinge and banjo-style pinback meeting a flat wire catch, the pinback marked with Präsidialkanzlei code “1” for maker Deschler & Sohn, München, measuring 45.00 mm (w) x 44.98 mm (h), weighing 22.0 grams, accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of heavy card stock with a faux black leather exterior, the lid with a gold 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 magnetic metal spring catch with exterior stud release and a functional magnetic metal hinge, unmarked, measuring 66 mm (w) x 66 mm (l) x 20 mm (h), minor oxidation of the silver features evident, in overall extremely fine condition.

Footnote: From the collection of Dietrich Maerz.