Matching Cased 1st Class Iron Cross by L/11

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

A Matching LDO Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse 1939 im Etui by L/11 - Wilhelm Deumer of Lüdenscheid. 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 reverse features a soldered on block hinge, soldered on c-shaped catch and coke bottle pin. The lowest part of the cross is marked “L/11”. An excellent example! The cross measures 1 ¾ inches square. The award comes housed in its appropriate L/11 marked case. The case is constructed out of a wood and pressed cardboard base that is covered in a simulated black grained leatherette. The top features a silver foil outline of a 1st Class Iron Cross. The interior lid reads: “Wilhelm Deumer K.G. Lüdenscheid” 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 a pin, hinge and catch assembly. It is slightly bent to one side. To the very front is a round steel push button and the back features a piano hinge. Both continue to work very well. There is minor glue reminisce to the one corner. The case measures 2 11/16 inches wide and deep and 7/8 of an inch thick. A great assembly!