1st Class Iron Cross by L/16

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

A great private purchased example by S&L. 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 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 block hinge, soldered ?C' shaped catch and coke bottle pin stamped "L/16". It measures 1 ¾ inches tall and wide. It has honest wear. The beading has the textbook S&L corners, the cores paint shows some wear to the high areas yet some traces of factory lacquer remain to the reverse. A good example of a private purchase cross!