Cased 1st Class Iron Cross by 15

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

Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse im Etui by 15 - Friedrich Orth of Wien. This is a rare variant with the non-magnetic core and round catch. 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 a brass 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 fullback reverse features a soldered-on round wire catch, soldered-on block hinge and coke bottle pin that is maker marked “15”. It measures 1 ¾ inches wide and tall. The cross comes housed in its appropriate issue vaulted case. It is constructed out of a wood and pressed cardboard base that is covered in a simulated black grained leatherette. The vaulted top features a pressed silver foil outline of a 1st Class Iron Cross. The interior lid is lined in white satin and has an underlying pad. The bottom interior of the case is constructed out of a cardboard base that is covered in a pearl fibrous velvet material that outlines a pin, hinge and catch assembly. To the very front is a round plated steel push button and the back features a piano hinge. Both continue to work very well. The case measures 2 11/16 inches wide and deep and 13/16 of an inch thick.