Cased Iron Cross 1st Class by L/56

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

Here we have a wonderful example of a LDO cased, screwback Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse by L/56 (Funcke & Bruninghaus of Lüdenscheid). 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 features a centrally soldered on female screw piece and a broken anti-rotation spike and a round male screw back piece. The interior of the screwback piece is clearly marked “L/56”. The paint is in good condition remaining 98%+ intact and the frame has a beautiful silver patina! 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. 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 paper and is marked, 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 pearl white fibrous felt material that outlines the screw plate and bottom anti-rotation spike. The cross has a nice fit. The hinge has a rip. The exterior shows age. The case measures approximately 2 5/8 inches tall and deep and ¾ of an inch thick. Please don’t ask me to separate the two. A great marked matching piece!