Cased 1st Class Iron Cross by R. Souval

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

Here we have a great example of a cased Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse by Rudolf Souval of Wien! 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 soldered on black hinge, flat wire catch and coke bottle pin. The paint is in wonderful condition remaining 97%+ intact and the frame features beautiful patina! The cross measures approximately 1 ¾ inches wide and tall. The cross comes housed in its appropriate early vaulted case. The case is constructed out of a pressed cardboard base that is covered in a simulated grained black leather. The very top features a silvered outline of a 1st Class Iron Cross. The interior top lid is lined in white satin and has an underlying pad. The bottom interior of the case is constructed out of a cardboard base that is covered in a pearl fibrous felt material that outlines pin, hinge and catch assembly. It has a nice and tight fit. To the very front is a round gilded push button and the back has a piano style hinge. Both continue to work well. The case measures approximately 2 5/8 inches tall and deep and ¾ of an inch thick. A quality set you can be proud of!