Ultra-Rare - Schinkel - 1st Class Iron Cross by FLL

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

This one is for the experienced Iron Cross Collector. Its the "Textbook" example although is so rare that it was never included in it. A brass core Schinkel Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse 1939! The maker is still up for debate on this one. I’ve heard it to be; Friedrich Linden of Lüdenscheid, F. W. Assmann & Sohne of Lüdenscheid, Schauerte & Höhfeld of Lüdenscheid and Wilhelm Deumer, Lüdenscheid. When Hitler re-instituted the 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 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 a non-magnetic brass metal base that has been black enamel painted. The imperial 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 soldered on round wire catch, block hinge and steel (oxidized) coke bottle pin. The paint is in wonderful condition remaining 98%+ intact and the frame has a beautiful patinaed finish to it! The cross measures approximately 1 ¾ inches wide and tall. An ultra rare Schinkel that is missing from most high end collections! Not cheap and try to find another!