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 block hinge and banjo-style pinback meeting a round wire catch, unmarked but demonstrating the characteristics of manufacture by Rudolf Souval, Vienna, measuring 44.35 mm (w) x 44.24 mm (h), weighing 18.8 grams, accompanied by its original presentation case, constructed of a pressed card stock frame with a faux black leather exterior liner, the lid with a white rayon lid liner and intact hinge cover, with a slotted white felt medal bed, closing with a functional metal spring catch with exterior stud release, unmarked, measuring 68 mm (w) x 68 mm (l) x 20 mm (h), demonstrating some bending to the frame of the cross consistent with the recipient attempting to vault the decoration, and with a consistent patina throughout, in better than very fine condition.