1st Class Iron Cross by 107

German WWII > Awards and Medals > Iron Cross Series > 1st Class Iron Cross

A beautiful cased example of a Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse by Carl Wild of Hamburg. The 1st Class Iron Cross was awarded to those who had received the 2nd class Iron cross and preformed 3-5 acts of bravery in the face of the enemy, or actions that were clearly above and beyond the call of duty. It is a multi-piece, die struck construction that has been soldered together. The single piece core is constructed out of an iron metal base that has been black enamel painted. The frame and back plate are constructed out of a nickel silver base that has been silver washed and polished. A final protectant lacquer coating was applied over the entire award. The obverse features; a pattée style cross that has a centrally placed embossed mobile swastika and "1939" to the lower arm, which is all on a black base and surrounded by a silvered ribbed/beaded row and a flat outlying border. The full back reverse features a soldered on block hinge, soldered on flat wire catch and coke bottle pin that is maker marked "107" (Carl Wild, Hamburg). It measures 1 ¾ inches tall and wide. The core shows spidering yet retains 95%+ of its paint and the border has a beautiful shine to it! See page 385 of "The Iron Cross 1. Class" by D. Marez & G. Stimson. The 1st Class Iron cross comes housed in the appropriate case. The case is constructed out of a wood and pressed cardboard base that is covered in a simulated, grained black leather. The very top features a silvered 1st Class Iron Cross outline. To the front is a steel, spring loaded, round closure button. To the back is a steel staggered bar hinge. Both the hinge and catch continue to work well. The interior top lid is lined in white satin and has an underlying pad. The bottom interior of the case is made of a cardboard base that is covered in a white fiber felt material that is bordered and outlines the pin, hinge and catch assembly. The case measures approximately 2 5/8 inches tall and deep and ¾ of an inch thick. The case shows minor scuffs throughout and is otherwise in good condition. A nice set!