Early 1st Class Iron Cross by Wächtler & Lange

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

Early, Brass Core - Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse by Rudolf Wächtler & Lange of Mittweida. 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 full back reverse displays; a soldered-on flatwire catch, a soldered-on block hinge and cokebottle pin. It measures 1 ¾ inches wide and tall. A desirable early piece!