Original 1939 Iron Cross 1st Class by C.F. Zimmermann of Pforzheim, featuring the recognised PKZ maker code “20” stamped into the reverse pin. This attractive three-piece award retains an excellent black iron centre, strong silvered frame and complete original pin assembly. It comes with its fitted black presentation case featuring a silver Iron Cross to the lid. A desirable maker-marked and cased example of the C.F. Zimmermann Iron Cross 1st Class 1939.
€ 575
1 in stock
This C.F. Zimmermann Iron Cross 1st Class 1939 is a fine original wartime example produced by the respected Pforzheim manufacturer C.F. Zimmermann. Most importantly, the reverse pin carries the clearly struck manufacturer number 20, which identifies Zimmermann under the Präsidialkanzlei numbering system.
The cross retains the traditional three-piece construction associated with original wartime Iron Crosses. A blackened magnetic iron centre sits between separate silver-coloured frame sections, while the raised swastika and sharply defined 1939 date remain prominent on the obverse.
Furthermore, this example comes with its original fitted black presentation case. The combination of maker attribution, strong condition and original case considerably improves its collector appeal.
The C.F. Zimmermann Iron Cross 1st Class 1939 displays the classic construction expected from this manufacturer.
Its black iron core retains strong original colour and attractive age-related character. Around the centre, the silver-coloured frame shows a pronounced ribbed inner border together with smooth polished outer edges.
Natural toning has developed across the frame. However, the decoration does not appear excessively cleaned or restored.
The central swastika remains sharply formed, while the lower arm carries a crisp raised 1939 date. Minor signs of age remain visible, although they do not significantly affect the overall appearance.
Documented Zimmermann examples regularly show the same magnetic core, three-piece construction and maker number 20. Ratisbon’s records several original crosses with precisely these characteristics.
One of the strongest features of this C.F. Zimmermann Iron Cross 1st Class 1939 appears on the reverse.
A broad vertical pin runs between the upper hinge and lower catch. Zimmermann stamped the number:
20
directly into the pin.
The number 20 identifies C.F. Zimmermann of Pforzheim within the Präsidialkanzlei manufacturer system. Zimmermann also used L/52 as its separate LDO retail code, so collectors should not confuse the two systems.
Ratisbon’s documents an original Zimmermann Iron Cross with the number 20 stamped onto the pin, three-part construction and magnetic core.
Weitze also records attributed Zimmermann awards carrying maker number 20, providing another useful reference for the firm's recognised manufacturer code.
The reverse retains the complete original-style attachment assembly.
The upper barrel hinge supports the broad tapered pin, while the lower catch remains intact. Age patination and scattered surface spotting appear across the reverse plate, particularly around exposed metal areas.
Nevertheless, the fittings appear complete from the photographs.
The maker number remains clearly visible on the pin. Therefore, a collector can identify the manufacturer without relying entirely on frame or core characteristics.
This C.F. Zimmermann Iron Cross 1st Class 1939 comes in a fitted black presentation case.
The exterior carries a silver-coloured Iron Cross device centrally on the textured lid. Inside, a light-coloured fitted base supports the award, while pale satin lines the upper section.
Both sections display normal age-related marking and storage wear.
The interior remains attractive and presents the cross particularly well.
Original cased Zimmermann examples appear regularly in specialist references. Ratisbon’s has documented maker-20 examples with their original cases of issue, confirming that cased combinations of this type form a recognised period configuration.
Germany reinstituted the Iron Cross on 1 September 1939.
The Iron Cross 1st Class represented the grade above the Iron Cross 2nd Class. Recipients normally first qualified for the lower class before receiving the First Class for further recognised military achievement.
Unlike the ribbon-suspended Second Class, the wearer pinned the First Class directly onto the left breast pocket of the uniform.
Contemporary award practice placed it prominently alongside other combat decorations. Ratisbon’s historical reference notes that the award could be authorised at divisional level and that units retained stocks for presentation.
C.F. Zimmermann became one of the recognised German manufacturers of military decorations during the period.
Collectors associate the company with numerous high-quality awards. Zimmermann also manufactured examples of the German Cross and other military decorations.
The company's PKZ number 20 remains particularly useful for attribution.
For comparison, Nordmenn currently lists another original Zimmermann-manufactured decoration, a German Cross in Gold maker 20, which demonstrates the same manufacturer number used on another important wartime award.
The C.F. Zimmermann Iron Cross 1st Class 1939 remains in very good original condition.
The black centre preserves strong colour and clear detail. In addition, the raised 1939 date remains crisp and the central design shows little loss of definition.
The frame retains an attractive aged silver appearance.
Meanwhile, the reverse displays heavier patination and spotting than the front. These marks remain consistent with natural ageing and storage rather than serious structural damage.
The fitted case also survives well. Its exterior retains the embossed texture, while the silver Iron Cross device remains clearly visible.
Inside, the pale lining shows expected age marks and discolouration.
The photographed characteristics support the attribution of this C.F. Zimmermann Iron Cross 1st Class 1939 as an original wartime example.
Important points include the maker-20 stamp, broad pin configuration, three-piece construction, frame profile and naturally aged finish.
Ratisbon’s documents Zimmermann crosses with the same maker number, three-piece construction and magnetic iron core.
A maker-marked Iron Cross has a major advantage over an anonymous example because the manufacturer can be identified directly.
The fitted case adds further desirability.
In addition, this cross presents particularly well from the front and retains a clearly visible maker stamp on the reverse.
Consequently, this C.F. Zimmermann Iron Cross 1st Class 1939 would make a strong addition to a specialist Iron Cross collection, a manufacturer-focused collection or a broader display of German military decorations.
Explore further examples in our military medals collection. Our guide to militaria maker marks explains how to record a stamp and compare the surrounding construction.
