An original WWII German Iron Cross 1st Class Screwback (1939) manufactured by Steinhauer & Lück, Lüdenscheid (L/16). Complete with its original screw fastening disc and period presentation case, this scarce three-piece construction example retains an attractive untouched patina and represents a desirable addition to any advanced collection of German Second World War militaria.
€ 650
An original Second World War German Iron Cross 1st Class Screwback (Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse) complete with its original presentation case and matching screwback fastening disc. The award features the classic three-piece construction with a black magnetic iron core and silvered frame, displaying the swastika to the centre and the date 1939 to the lower arm.
The reverse is fitted with its original screwback post and retains the correct matching screw disc. The lower reverse arm is clearly L/16 marked, identifying manufacture by Steinhauer & Lück of Lüdenscheid, one of the most respected and prolific producers of German military decorations during the Second World War. The cross displays an attractive untouched patina with light age-related wear and much of its original finish remaining.
Unlike the more commonly encountered pin-back Iron Crosses, the screwback variant was designed to provide a more secure attachment to the tunic. These examples were produced in comparatively limited numbers and are considerably scarcer than standard pin-back awards, making them particularly desirable amongst collectors.
The award is housed in its original black leatherette presentation case with white satin-lined lid and black velvet insert. The case remains in good original condition with only light age-related wear consistent with careful storage over many decades.
Instituted by Adolf Hitler on 1 September 1939, the Iron Cross 1st Class was awarded only after the recipient had first received the Iron Cross 2nd Class and subsequently distinguished themselves through further acts of bravery in combat or exceptional military leadership. Worn on the left breast pocket of the uniform, it became one of the most recognised military decorations of the Second World War.
An excellent original screwback example by Steinhauer & Lück (L/16) complete with its original screw disc and presentation case, representing a highly desirable addition to any advanced collection of German militaria.
The Iron Cross (Eisernes Kreuz) was first established by King Frederick William III of Prussia in 1813 during the Napoleonic Wars. It was later reissued in 1870, 1914, and finally in 1939, when Adolf Hitler reinstated the decoration at the outbreak of the Second World War.
The Iron Cross 1st Class recognised repeated acts of bravery, distinguished leadership or continued exceptional service in combat. It could only be awarded after the recipient had first earned the Iron Cross 2nd Class and was worn directly on the left breast pocket of the field tunic.
Although the vast majority of Iron Cross 1st Class awards utilised a pin-back fastening, a comparatively small number were produced with a screwback fitting, allowing the decoration to be firmly secured through the uniform. These early-production screwback examples were generally favoured by officers and personnel who desired a more secure attachment and today remain significantly scarcer than their pin-back counterparts.
Steinhauer & Lück, based in Lüdenscheid, was one of Germany’s foremost manufacturers of military decorations. Their LDO code L/16 identifies production for the retail trade and is one of the most recognised maker marks amongst collectors. Original complete screwback sets retaining both the matching screw disc and presentation case are increasingly difficult to find and remain highly sought after.
Very good original condition throughout with attractive untouched patina. The magnetic iron core retains much of its original black finish, while the silvered frame displays honest age-related wear. The reverse retains its original screwback post together with the original matching screw fastening disc. The reverse is clearly L/16 marked for Steinhauer & Lück, Lüdenscheid. The original presentation case remains complete with functioning catch, white satin lid lining and black velvet insert, displaying only minor age-related wear consistent with long-term storage. Please study the photographs carefully as they form part of the description.
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