More about the product

L/54 Iron Cross 1st Class 1939 – Schauerte & Höhfeld

L/54 Iron Cross: design and historical context

This L/54 Iron Cross displays the distinctive design of the 1939 Iron Cross 1st Class. The black-finished centre carries a raised swastika and the date 1939, while a closely beaded border follows the outline of each arm.Germany reinstituted the Iron Cross on 1 September 1939. The First Class recognised further bravery or distinguished military leadership following the award of the Second Class. Recipients wore it on the left breast of the uniform.This example combines the recognisable 1939 design with a maker-marked pin fastening. In addition, its separate 800 stamp provides a further detail for collectors studying manufacturing and marking variations.

Construction and fastening

A silver-coloured frame surrounds the dark centre, creating a clear contrast between the raised border and recessed field. The outer margins retain surface toning, while the inner beading remains clearly defined.On the reverse, a broad, tapered pin extends from the upper hinge to the lower catch. The hinge rests on a rounded mounting plate. Meanwhile, the retaining catch secures the pin near the bottom of the cross.Close-up photographs show the fastening assembly, recessed stamps and surfaces around the fittings. These details provide useful comparison points when assessing construction and condition.

Schauerte & Höhfeld maker markings

Schauerte & Höhfeld operated in Lüdenscheid and used the LDO manufacturer code L/54. Documented examples include both pinback and screwback Iron Crosses.The pin carries two separate recessed stamps: L/54 and 800. The first identifies the manufacturer code; the second denotes a silver fineness of 800 parts per thousand. However, the pin stamp alone does not establish the metal composition of the entire cross.For a relevant comparison, Aberdeen Medals records an L/54 Iron Cross with an 800-marked pin.

Measurements and weight

• Height: 42.5 mm
• Width: 42.3 mm
• Weight: 19 grams
• Fastening: Hinged vertical pin and retaining catch
• Visible pin markings: L/54 and 800

Condition

The centre retains extensive black finish, with light rubbing visible on raised details. Both the central motif and the 1939 date remain clearly identifiable.The frame shows toning and small handling marks. By comparison, the reverse displays more pronounced discolouration, fine scratches and scattered surface marks. The hinge, tapered pin and lower catch are present, with the pin shown seated beneath the catch.Please examine the detailed photographs alongside this description to assess the finish, markings and visible wear.

Related German medals and decorations

Explore our Iron Cross collection for additional makers and fastening variations. Alternatively, browse our wider military medals collection for related German decorations.Image ALT text