Germany, Third Reich. A Cased Iron Cross 1939 First Class, Screw-back Version, by B.H. Mayer

(Eisernes Kreuz 1939 II. Klasse im Etui).  Reinstituted September 1st, 1939. (1939-1945 issue). Constructed of iron and silver, consisting of a slightly vaulted 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 screw-back and a  pin on the twelve o’clock arm, marked “L/18” for manufacture by B.H. Mayer of Pforzheim, measuring 44.1 mm (w) x 44.1 mm (l), weighing 19.18 grams.

Accompanied by its LDO case of issue, constructed of constructed of a light wooden frame with a faux black leather exterior liner, accompanied by its original presentation case,  the lid bearing a silvered Cross Pattée, the interior with a white LDO embossed rayon lid liner, the hinge cover intact, with a recessed medal bed to accommodate the screw-back, closing with a functional metal spring catch with exterior stud release, the reverse marked with a green sticker reading “L/18” as well, measuring 70 mm (w) x 70 mm (l), in very fine condition.

The swastika on the obverse is missing the majority of its black finish, with signs of the paint flaking off on the arms, but with a pleasant patina from age, in overall very fine condition.