Early 1st Class Iron Cross by R. Souval

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

Here we have a brass core repaired Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse by Rudolf Souval of Wien. 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 a brass (nonferrous) 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 rectangular wire catch and replaced (IMO period) flat pin and wire hinge pin. It measures 1 ¾ inches tall and wide. The core shows minor paint loss. A fine early one!