An original WWII German Iron Cross 1st Class Screwback (1939) manufactured by Hymmen & Co., Lüdenscheid (L/53). Complete with its original screw fastening disc, this scarce three-piece construction example retains an attractive untouched patina and represents a desirable addition to any serious collection of Second World War German militaria.
€ 585
An original Second World War German Iron Cross 1st Class Screwback (Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse) complete with its original screw 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 is maker marked L/53, identifying manufacture by Hymmen & Co. of Lüdenscheid, one of the recognised wartime producers of German military decorations for the LDO (Leistungsgemeinschaft der Deutschen Ordenshersteller) retail system. The award retains an attractive untouched patina, with the silvered frame showing pleasing age toning and the magnetic iron core preserving much of its original black finish.
This example is complete with its original screw fastening disc, providing the secure attachment system favoured on early-production Iron Crosses. Screwback Iron Crosses were manufactured in far smaller numbers than the standard pin-back version and are highly sought after today, particularly when complete and retaining their original components.
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 or exceptional military leadership. Worn on the left breast pocket of the field tunic, it remains one of the most recognisable German military awards of the Second World War.
An excellent original screwback Iron Cross by Hymmen & Co. (L/53), complete with its original screw disc, representing a scarce and 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 exceptional service in combat. Eligibility required prior award of the Iron Cross 2nd Class, making the 1st Class a mark of continued gallantry and devotion to duty.
Although the majority of Iron Cross 1st Class awards utilised a pin-back fastening, a relatively limited number were produced with a screwback fitting, offering a particularly secure method of wear. These early screwback examples are considerably scarcer than standard pin-back variants and are especially desirable when complete with their original screw fastening discs.
Hymmen & Co., based in Lüdenscheid, was an authorised member of the LDO (Leistungsgemeinschaft der Deutschen Ordenshersteller) and used the manufacturer code L/53 on its wartime decorations. Original L/53 screwback Iron Crosses are regarded as quality-made awards and remain highly sought after by collectors due to their relative scarcity.
Very good original condition throughout with attractive untouched patina. The magnetic iron core retains much of its original black finish with minor service-related wear, while the silvered frame displays pleasing natural age toning. The reverse retains its original screwback fitting together with the original screw fastening disc. The maker mark L/53 is clearly visible on the reverse. Honest age-related wear is entirely consistent with wartime manufacture and long-term preservation. Please study the photographs carefully as they form part of the description.
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