Cased 1st Class Iron Cross by L/52

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

Here we have an excellent example of a matching, cased, screwback Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse by L/52, C.F. Zimmermann of Pforzheim. The cross and case are both maker marked. 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. A final protectant lacquer was applied over the entire award. The obverse features; a patt�e 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 has been soldered upside-down and is exactly how the one is on page 264 of “The Iron Cross 1. Class” by D. Maerz and G. Stimson. It clearly maker marked: “L/52” and features a centrally soldered on female screw piece, top anti-rotation spike and a round male screw back piece. The paint remains 97%+ intact and the frame has a beautiful silver wash to it! The cross measures approximately 1 ¾ inches wide and tall. The cross comes housed in screwback LDO marked case. The case is constructed out of a pressed cardboard base that is covered in a simulated grained black leather. The interior top lid is lined in lacquered white paper and is marked, in black: “L/52”, within a rectangular border and again in black “LDO” within an oval and rectangle border. The bottom interior of the case is constructed out of a cardboard base that is covered in a black fibrous felt material that outlines the screw plate and spike. The cross has a nice fit. The exterior displays the odd scuff throughout. The case measures approximately 2 5/8 inches tall and deep and 7/8 of an inch thick. A nice matching and clearly marked set you can be proud of!