Issue Carton - Cased 1st Class Iron Cross by F. Orth

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

With Issue Carton - Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse 1939 im Etui by Friedrich Orth of Wien 56. 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 non-ferrous 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 reverse features a soldered on block hinge, round wire catch and coke bottle pin. The paint shows minor calcification to the edges yet is in excellent condition remaining 99%+ intact! The cross measures approximately 1 ¾ inches wide and tall. The cross comes housed in a mint case. The case is constructed out of a wood and pressed cardboard base that is covered in a simulated grained black leather. The interior top lid is lined in pearl white satin and has an underlying pad. The bottom interior of the case is constructed out of a cardboard base that is covered in off white flocking that outlines the pin. The case measures approximately 2 3/4 inches tall and deep and ¾ of an inch thick. The case comes housed in its original issue carton exterior. It is constructed out of a pressed cardboard base with a orange paper exterior that reads: “Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse 1939” “Nur vom Empfänger zu öffnen” to the top and “Friedrich Orth Wien 56” to the side. The one piece has ripped off. A beautiful set!