Cased & Carton 1st Class Iron Cross by 65

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

A Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse 1939 im Etui by 65 - Klein & Quenzer A.G. of Idar-Oberstein. 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 round wire catch and coke bottle pin that is PKZ marked “65”. An excellent example! The cross measures approximately 1 ¾ inches wide and tall. The cross comes housed in its appropriate early issue case. It 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 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. To the very front is a round gilded steel push button and the back features a piano hinge. Both continue to work very well. The case measures 2 ¾ inches wide and deep and 13/16 of an inch thick. The case measures approximately 2 5/8 inches tall and deep and ¾ of an inch thick. The cardboard shows wear small tears and stain. A nice matching set you can be proud of!