Screwback - 1st Class Iron Cross by Otto Schickle

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

Schraube Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse by Otto Schickle 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 single piece, die struck brass based construction that has been silver washed and black enamel painted. 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 male screw piece, washer and female screw device. The paint is in great condition remaining 90% intact and the frame/screw pieces have wonderful patina! The cross measures approximately 1 ¾ inches wide and tall. Expensive? Yes, but when is another one going to come up for sale?