Schinkel ‐ 2nd Class Iron Cross by Otto Schickle

German WWII > Awards and Medals > Iron Cross Series > 2nd Class Iron Cross

Here we have a One Piece thick Schinkelversion Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse by Otto Schickle. When Hitler re-instituted the 2nd Class Iron Cross, on September 1st 1939, manufacturers jumped at the opportunity of using the most cost effective solution and used their left over stock of Imperial Iron Cross 1914 frames. Schinkel versions are the earliest Iron crosses and are named after the original designer Karl Friedrich Schinkel, 1813.The 2nd Class Iron Cross was awarded for an act of bravery in the face of the enemy, or actions that were clearly above and beyond the call of duty. It is a one-piece, alloy based die struck construction that has been black enamel paint work. The 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 reverse features that same black base with a raised “1813” to the lower arm and has that same ribbed and flat outlying border. To the top is a soldered on loop and ring which holds approximately 4 inches of red, white and black rayon ribbon. The paint remains 96%+ intact. The cross measures approximately 1 11/16 inches wide and tall. A rarer schinkel variation!