Germany, Wehrmacht. A 1939 Iron Cross I Class, with Case, by Rudolf Souval

(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 tapering vertical pinback meeting a flat wire catch, unmarked but demonstrating the characteristics of manufacture by Rudolf Souval, Vienna, measuring 44.43 mm (w) x 44.57 mm (h), weighing 18.1 grams, accompanied by its original presentation case, constructed of a pressed card stock frame with a faux black leather exterior liner, the lid bearing a silvered Cross Pattée, the interior with a white rayon lid liner and intact hinge cover, with a slotted off-white felt medal bed, closing with a functional metal spring catch with exterior stud release, unmarked, measuring 70 mm (w) x 70 mm (l) x 25 mm (h), the reverse of the cross demonstrates loss of finish and surface oxidation consistent with storage in damp or moist conditions, with minor material fatigue also visible to the case, in very fine condition.