Award Document and EKII by 40

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

Verleihungsurkunde und Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse by 40 - Berg & Nolte of Lüdenscheid. Instituted September 1, 1939, 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 half lug, soldered-on loop and “40” maker marked ring which holds 6 ¾ inches of red, white and black rayon ribbon. The paint is in great condition and the border shines beautifully in the light. The cross measures 1 ¾ inches wide and tall. Accompanying the cross is its award document.

Verleihungsurkunde für das Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse. Constructed out of pressed paper with black ink that has been stamped and signed. The obverse features a Iron Cross above: “Im Namen des führers und Obersten Befehlshabers der Wehrmacht”, “verleihe ich dem”, “Gefreitn Karl Trenter z.b.V. 2029”, “das Eiserne Kreuz 2.Klasse”, “Gefechtsstand, den 8.9. 1943”, (Dienstsiegel) behind a purple Wehrmacht stamp, “General der Flakartillerie Süd” along with his signature and “General der Flieger.” just above, and “(Dienstgrad und Dienststellung)”. There is a horizontal and vertical fold crease. To the bottom left in pencil it reads: “591”. It measures 7 ¾ inches tall by 5 7/16 inches wide. I was told: “This is the exact award presented to the solider.”