Very interesting Cased 1st Class Iron Cross

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

I love these examples that have been field modified!! Ok so the owner was awarded the EKI and decided that he preferred an screwback. The guy was a bit of medal worker he very carefully removed the pin, hinge and the catch then carefully ever so slightly vaulted the award bending back the arms 1 or 2 degrees. In the place of the hardware he soldered a nut device. He also made up a dome plate and screw device. What a neat job!! Oops! The cross now doesn’t fit in it’s case! No worries, after all this guy didn’t win the Iron Cross 1st class without some resourcefulness!! So he wrapped the case insert with green uniform cloth, added some pressboard and made a center hole. Look at the obverse of the insert. See how the center hole perfectly accepts the nut? Love these details!!! Very obviously period done. Nope not for the “textbook” collector but for someone who appreciates the history this is a gem!! The cross is a multi-piece, die struck construction that has been soldered together. The single piece core is constructed out of a iron 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. A final protectant lacquer was applied over the entire award. The vaulted obverse features; a pattee 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 award has nice age patina / nickel color remaining. The paint is 98%+ intact. 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 Iron Cross outline on a vaulted top. To the front is a steel, spring loaded, round closure button. To the back is a steel, staggered bar hinge. The hinge and the closure button continue to function well. The interior top lid is lined in pearl satin and has an underlying pad. The bottom interior of the case is made of a black felt material and outlines the pin, hinge and catch assembly. The case measures 2 ¾ inches wide and tall and is ¾ of an inch thick. A great piece!