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Original 1939 Iron Cross 1st Class Screwback – C.F. Zimmermann L/52

This 1939 Iron Cross 1st Class screwback is a desirable original-style example attributed to C.F. Zimmermann of Pforzheim, one of the recognised manufacturers of wartime Iron Crosses.The award features the classic three-piece construction with a black iron core set within a silver-coloured frame. The obverse carries the swastika to the centre and the date 1939 to the lower arm. The reverse uses the scarcer screwback fixing system, consisting of a threaded post, large circular screw disc and anti-rotation pin.The small maker mark visible on the reverse is consistent with L/52, the LDO code used by C.F. Zimmermann. Comparable Zimmermann screwback Iron Crosses are well documented by Ratisbon’s, Weitze and other specialist militaria dealers. https://www.ratisbons.com

1939 Iron Cross 1st Class Screwback

The 1939 Iron Cross 1st Class screwback differs from the more common pin-back version through its threaded attachment system.Rather than using a conventional horizontal or vertical pin, this example was secured through the uniform with a threaded post and large removable backing disc.A small stabilising pin prevented the cross from rotating once mounted.This screwback arrangement is considerably less frequently encountered than the standard pin-back type and is especially desirable when combined with a known maker such as Zimmermann.

C.F. Zimmermann – L/52

C.F. Zimmermann of Pforzheim was an authorised manufacturer of German military decorations.Zimmermann used the LDO maker code:L/52on privately purchased replacement awards.Ratisbon’s documents several original L/52 screwback Iron Cross 1st Class examples by C.F. Zimmermann, including three-piece crosses with magnetic iron centres and maker marks positioned near the retaining pin or lower reverse. https://www.ratisbons.comWeitze also documents Zimmermann screwback examples with the characteristic technical construction and discreet L/52 marking. Weitze

Obverse Detail

The black iron core retains strong definition.The swastika remains sharply formed, while the lower arm carries the raised date:1939The surrounding silver-coloured frame displays the familiar beaded inner border associated with the Iron Cross design.Age toning is visible to the frame, giving the cross an attractive untouched appearance.The black core shows honest surface wear consistent with age.

Reverse Construction

The reverse is plain apart from the central threaded sleeve and small anti-rotation pin holes.The screwback disc is large and slightly domed.This arrangement allowed the award to sit firmly against the uniform and reduced movement compared with a conventional pin-back.The disc also shows natural patination and wear.The reverse construction is consistent with known Zimmermann screwback variants documented by Ratisbon’s and IMA. International Military Antiques

Three-Piece Construction

A typical wartime Iron Cross 1st Class was manufactured from:

• a central iron core
• a front frame
• a rear frame

These sections were assembled into one award.Zimmermann examples are documented with magnetic iron cores and three-piece construction. https://www.ratisbons.comFor catalogue purposes, I would describe this as:Three-piece construction with iron core and silver-coloured frame.If you test the centre with a magnet and confirm attraction, change this to:Three-piece construction with magnetic iron core.

Historical Background

The 1939 Iron Cross was reintroduced on 1 September 1939.The First Class represented the higher wearable grade above the Iron Cross 2nd Class and was awarded for repeated acts of bravery or distinguished military leadership.Ratisbon’s notes that the Iron Cross 1st Class was worn on the left breast pocket and that award of the higher grade normally required prior receipt of the lower grade. https://www.ratisbons.com

Condition

This 1939 Iron Cross 1st Class screwback remains in very good original collector condition.The black core retains strong visual contrast.The silver-coloured frame shows natural age toning and light surface wear.The threaded post remains present and the large screw disc accompanies the cross.There is no obvious major structural damage visible in the supplied photographs.I would not polish the frame or chemically treat the black core.

Authentication Assessment

The photographs show several encouraging characteristics:

• correct 1939 Iron Cross proportions
• appropriate beaded silver-coloured frame
• black iron-style centre
• three-piece construction
• correct screwback arrangement
• anti-rotation feature
• maker mark consistent with L/52
• construction matching known C.F. Zimmermann examples

Ratisbon’s, Weitze and IMA all document original L/52 Zimmermann screwback Iron Crosses with closely comparable construction. International Military AntiquesFor Nordmenn I would catalogue it as:

Original 1939 Iron Cross 1st Class Screwback – C.F. Zimmermann L/52

Specifications

Award: Iron Cross 1st Class German: Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse Date: 1939 Manufacturer: C.F. Zimmermann Location: Pforzheim LDO code: L/52 Construction: Three-piece Core: Iron, magnetic status to be confirmed Frame: Silver-coloured metal Attachment: Screwback with large disc Anti-rotation pin: Present / associated system visible Condition: Very good original condition with age toning and wear

Internal / Inbound Links

I would add three relevant Nordmenn internal links naturally within the listing: link original German medals and decorations to your medals category, link Third Reich combat awards to the closest relevant award collection, and link Museum Collection to your museum-grade items page.That gives you enough internal linking for Yoast without overloading the description.

Outbound References

Use Ratisbon’s – 1939 Iron Cross 1st Class by C.F. Zimmermann L/52, screwback variant as the strongest maker and construction comparison. Ratisbon’s specifically identifies the L/52 code with Zimmermann and documents the same three-piece, magnetic-core screwback format. https://www.ratisbons.comUse Helmut Weitze – Iron Cross 1939 1st Class on Screw Disc, Zimmermann as a second reference. Weitze describes the typical Zimmermann technical construction and screw-disc attachment. Weitze