Boxed and Cased 1st Class Spange by B.H. Mayer

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

Here we have an unissued cased and boxed Spange zum Eisernen Kreuz 1. Klasse (Wiederholungsspange) by B.H. Mayer of Pforzheim. The 1st Class Spange to the Iron Cross 1939 was awarded to those who has already received the imperial 1st class Iron Cross and earned the 1st class Iron Cross again in WWII. The award is constructed out of a die-struck tombak base that has been silver washed and lacquered. The obverse features a National open winged eagle clutching a wreathed swastika within its talons, above a trapezoid bannered "1939". The full back reverse is maker marked: "L/18" (B.H. Mayer, Pforzheim) and has a soldered on block hinge, soldered on flat wire catch and cokebottle pin. All of the components are non-magnetic and continue to work well. Very nice patina! It measures approximately 1 ¾ inches wide by 1 ¼ inches tall. The award comes housed in its appropriate case. The case is constructed out of wood and pressed cardboard, with a simulated grained black leather covering. The top features a silvered Spange emblem, that is a bit worn. To the front is a magnetic, rectangular spring loaded, steel closure button. To the back is a magnetic, staggered, internal 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 fibrous felt covered cardboard and outlines the pin, hinge and catch assembly. The case is in great shape! It measures approximately 2 3/4 inches wide and long by ¾ of an inch thick. The case is protected by its original issue box. The box is constructed out of a pressed cardboard base that has been glued together and finished in a lacquered gloss. The top of the box reads: "Spange zum Eisernen Kreuz 1. Klasse" (Spange for the Iron Cross 1st Class) and "Nur von Befiehenen zu ?ffnen" (Only to be opened by connoisseurs), within a rectangular lined border. The edge reads: "B.H. Mayer, Pforzheim". There are a few rips/tears. It is slightly larger than the case. Not for the guy who wants it worn!