Cased 1st Class Iron Cross 1st Class by Paul Meybauer

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

Here we have a wonderful a matching, cased, Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse 1939 by 7 (Paul Meybauer). 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 patte 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 textbook Meybauer early pin is unmarked matching the case. The paint shows wear to the high areas. The cross measures approximately 1 ¾ inches wide and tall. The cross comes housed in a marked 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 white satin and is maker marked, in black. The bottom interior of the case is constructed out of a cardboard base that is covered in tan flocking that outlines the pin. The case measures approximately 2 5/8 inches tall and deep and ¾ of an inch thick.