Ultra-Rare – 1st Class Iron Cross by Assmann

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

Here we have an ultra-rare – brass core, early Schinkel Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse 1939 by F. W. Assmann & Sohne, Lüdenscheid! 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 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 centrally placed female screw piece, concave washer and male screw piece. The paint remains 80%+ 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 likely won’t come up for sale again!