Issue Packet - 2nd Class Iron Cross by 44

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

Matching - Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse 1939 mit der Papiertüte by 44 - Jakob Bengel of Idar-Oberstein. 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 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 boarder. To the top is a soldered-on loop and “44” marked ring. The cross measures 1 3/4 inches wide and tall. Included is a full length red, white and black rayon ribbon. The cross and ribbon come housed in their matching issue paper packet. It is constructed out of blue paper that has been folded and glued together with black ink script. The obverse reads: “Eisernen Kreuz 2. Klasse 1939” (2nd Class Iron Cross 1939). The reverse shows a slit for the triangular flap to the very top. It is also marked: “Jakob Bengel Oberstein” (within a rectangular border). There is a hole and slit to the bottom. It measures 4 1/16 inches wide by 5 1/8 inches tall. A nice matching assembly.