1st Class Iron Cross by 65

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

Here we have a 1st Class Iron Cross by Klein & Quenzer A.G.! It is a multi-piece, die struck construction that has been soldered together. The single piece core is constructed out of a steel sheet 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. 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 flat back with a block hinge, round wire catch and coke bottle pin. The pin is maker marked: "65" (Klein & Quenzer A.G., Idar/Oberstein). The border has nicely aged leaving a desired patina. The paint appears to have been touched up or maybe someone put some lacquer on it? A fine example of a 1st class Iron Cross!