2nd Class Iron Cross in Issue Packet

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

Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse mit der Papiertüte. 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 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 soldered-on loop and an unmarked ring. The cross measures 1 11/16 inches wide and tall. It retains beautiful paint and nice frosting to the frame. Accompanying the award comes is a full length red, white and black rayon ribbon and a blue paper packet. The packet reads in black gothic style script “Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse 1939” (Iron Cross 2. Class 1939) to the obverse and is marked to Carl Forster & Graf to the reverse. It shows some discoloration and fading. The same packet is pictured in Dietrich's reference pg 494. Included is some tissue paper. Given the cross is unmarked there is no way to tell who the maker of the cross so it may have been added to the packet at some point. Regardless a nice set.