Cased 1st Class Iron Cross by L/18

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

Here we have a wonderful example of a matching, cased, screwback Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse by L/18 (B.H. Mayer of Pforzheim). 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 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 is maker marked "L/18" and features a centrally soldered on female screw piece, top anti-rotation spike and a round male screw back piece. The paint is in wonderful condition remaining 99%+ intact and the frame has beautiful silver wash to it! The cross measures approximately 1 ¾ inches wide and tall. The cross comes housed in its matching screwback LDO marked case. The case is constructed out of a wood and pressed cardboard base that is covered in a simulated grained black leather. To the front is a magnetic, round spring loaded, steel closure button. To the back is a magnetic, staggered, internal bar hinge. The interior top lid is lined in white satin that has an underlying pad and is centrally marked, in black "LDO" within an oval and rectangle border along with, in purple "L/18" within a rectangular 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 anti-rotation spike. The cross has a nice fit. The interior top and bottom pieces are lose and it can be taken apart. The whole case shows age. The case measures approximately 2 5/8 inches tall and deep and ¾ of an inch thick. Always nice to have the matching set!