Cased 2nd Class Iron Cross by 65

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

LDO Cased - Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse by 65 - Klein & Quenzer of Idar/Oberstein. 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 soldered-on loop and “65” PKZ maker marked ring. Accompanying the award is 11 5/8 inches of red, white and black rayon ribbon. The paint is in great condition and the border has wonderfully patinaed with time. The cross measures 1 ¾ inches wide and tall. It comes housed in a LDO case. The case is constructed out of a pressed cardboard base that is covered in a simulated, grained tan brown leather. The interior top lid features a black rectangular/oval bordered 2nd pattern “LDO” mark. The bottom interior of the case is made of a tan felt material and outlines the cross. The case is in nice condition. The odd scuff to the edges and high points. It measures 2 ¾ wide by 3 1/16 inches deep by 5/8 of an inch thick. A great piece.