Germany, Third Reich. An Iron Cross 1939 Second Class by the Disputed Maker “138”

A fine example of an Iron Cross 1939 Second Class by the disputed maker “138”. (Eisernes Kreuz 1939 II. Klasse) Reinstituted September 1st, 1939. (1939-1945 issue). Constructed of iron and silver on a fixed loop and ring for suspension, 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 six o’clock arm with an initial institution date of “1813”, the ring marked “138”, accompanied by a full length period original ribbon, measuring 44.4 mm (l) x 44.6 mm (w), weighing 17.80 grams, with beautiful dark patina from age and wear, in overall very fine condition. 

Footnote: For a long time, the maker with the PKZ (Präsidentskanzlei) number “138” was listed as Julius Maurer from Idar-Oberstein, while the maker “75” remained unknown. However, Julius Maurer was mentioned in official documents as early as May 1940, and supplied over 10,000 Iron Crosses 2. Class in September 1941, so it is unlikely that this maker was assigned one of the very last PKZ numbers, since these numbers are normally in alphabetical order (by last name). Julius Maurer was also given the relatively low LDO number “L/23”, fitting for an early producer, thus making it unlikely that this maker would have had a high PKZ number. According to well-known historian on this subject, Dietrich Maerz, it is possible that a mix-up of numbers occurred. Maerz believes, based on substantial evidence, that maker “138” was attributed to maker Louis Gottlieb & Söhne instead of Julius Maurer. Additionally, according to Maerz, crosses by Louis Gottlieb & Söhne feature the dies used by Steinhauer & Lück. This is entirely sensible since smaller manufacturers starting the manufacture of crosses at a later stage would have worked with a frame and core provided by another manufacturer, while a prolific manufacturer such as Julius Maurer would have likely had its own design and dies. For these reasons it makes more sense to equate Julius Maurer with PKZ number "75" and Louis Gottlieb with "138".