LDO Cased - 2nd Class Iron Cross

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

LDO Cased - Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse im Etui. 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 ring. The cross measures 1 ¾ inches wide and tall. It comes with a full length red, white and black rayon ribbon and is housed in a second pattern LDO case. The case is constructed out of a pressed cardboard base that is covered in a chocolate brown simulated grained leatherette. The interior of the top lid features a black second pattern “LDO” mark, within an oval and rectangle. The bottom interior of the case is made of a pearl velvet material and outlines the cross. One inch of the left lid edge has torn off. It measures 2 3/4 wide by 3 1/16 inches deep by 5/8 of an inch thick. A highly desirable case.