2nd Class Iron Cross on Austrian Mount-unmarked 24

German WWII > Awards and Medals > Iron Cross Series > 2nd Class Iron Cross

Here we have a Parade/Court Mount - Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse. The 2nd Class Iron Cross was awarded for an act 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 bone black enamel painted. The two piece frame is constructed out of a nickel silver base that has been silver washed and polished. 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 reverse features that same black base with a raised "1813" to the lower arm and has that same ribbed/beaded row and flat outlying border. To the top is a soldered on loop and an unmarked ring which attaches the award to a textbook Austrian mount. Now I say the ring is unmarked and the die characteristics leads us to believe this was manufactured by Prasidialkanzlei(PKZ) 24-Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Hanauer. The paint is in good shape. The cross measures approximately 1 ¾ inches wide and tall. A fine piece with nice patina!