Germany, Wehrmacht. A 1939 Grand Cross Of The Iron Cross By Deutsche Goldschmiedekunst-Werkstätten

(Großkreutz des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939). Instituted 1 September 1939 by A.H. (1939-1945 Issue). This is an extremely rare and well-preserved example of a 1939 Grand Cross of the Iron Cross, presenting as a Cross Pattée constructed of a black onyx core within a ribbed platinum frame. The obverse bears a central mobile swastika, constructed of a separate piece of black onyx fastened to the main body of the core, with an engraved reinstitution date of “1939” on the lower arm. The reverse is plain with the exception of an engraved initial institution date of “1813” on the lower arm. Engraved on the platinum frame of the reverse upper arm is a platinum mark of “950” along with the ornately-engraved crown logo and initials of Deutsche Goldschmiedekunst-Werkstätten, Berlin. Set into the top arm is a loop which bears an oval suspension ring, similarly engraved with a platinum mark of “950”. Measuring 62.7 mm (w) x 62.4 mm (h) and weighing 67.5 grams. The cross is in a near mint condition and is accompanied by an authentication certificate issued by Dietrich Maerz, dated 27 October 2017.

Footnote: The Grand Cross of the Iron Cross was reinstituted on 1 September 1939 along with the other classes of the Order, and constituted its highest level with the abandonment of the Star to the Grand Cross. The only recipient of the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross was Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring, who was awarded the decoration on 17 July 1940 following the Luftwaffe’s impressive performances during the invasions of Poland, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. While the only authorized manufacturer of the Grand Cross was the firm of C.E. Juncker, Berlin, Göring, who was renowned for keeping spare decorations at his various residences, had several vanity pieces commissioned, including examples in white gold and platinum. Göring’s original Juncker Grand Cross was destroyed in an Allied air raid in 1943, but he continued to wear his custom pieces, and was photographed with either a white gold or platinum variant hanging from his neck upon surrendering to US forces on 6 May 1945. The example offered is one of the two platinum pieces produced for Göring by Deutsche Goldschmiedekunst-Werkstätten.

This cross, offered here by eMedals INC., will feature prominently in the upcoming Novemeber issue of Militaria Collector published by Dietrich Maerz.