LDO Cased 1st Class Iron Cross by L59

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

Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse im LDO Etui by L59 - Alois Rettenmaier of GmbH & Co. KG. Instituted September 1, 1939, 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 full-back reverse is maker marked: “L59” and features a: soldered-on block hinge, soldered-on rectangular wire catch and polished coke bottle pin. Gorgeous patina to the obverse frame features wonderful paint and the frosting to the reverse is awesome. The cross measures 1 ¾ inches wide and tall. The cross comes housed in its appropriate 2nd pattern LDO issue case. It is constructed out of a pressed cardboard base that is covered in a simulated black grained leatherette. The interior lid is lined in white satin, has an underlying pad and is marked: “LDO”. The bottom interior of the case is constructed out of a cardboard base that is covered in a spray on black fibrous felt material that outlines a pin, hinge and catch assembly. The case has been crushed at some point, is scuffed and has a small tear. The case measures 2 ¾ inches wide and deep and 13/16 of an inch thick. The iconic German award…