Issue Packet - 2nd Class Iron Cross by Wachtler & Lange

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

An Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse 1939 mit der Papiertüte by Rudolf Wachtler & Lange of Mittweida. Instituted September 1, 1939, the Iron Cross 2nd Class 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 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 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 that same black base with a raised “1813” to the lower arm and has that same ribbed and flat outlying border. To the top is a small lug and a soldered-on loop and ring, which holds 8 inches of the appropriate red, white and black rayon ribbon. The cross measures 1 ¾ inches wide and tall. The award comes housed in its appropriate issue packet. The top has been torn off, where the maker mark would be Click here to see another example. The base has been taped together. The obverse of the packet reads, in Gothic style black ink: “Eisernes Kreuz II. Klasse 1939”. It measures 3 inches wide by 3 3/4 inches tall packet. A mint ribbon and EK2!