This 1939 Iron Cross 1st Class features a black-finished centre, a silver-coloured frame and a vertical pinback fastening. The front carries the raised central swastika and the date “1939” on the lower arm. Meanwhile, the detailed inner border provides a clear contrast with the dark central field.The cross displays visible wear across its raised details and metal surfaces. However, the principal design remains clear, including the date, the central motif and the closely spaced beading around the frame.
Iron Cross 1st Class construction
The centre sits within a frame with a beaded inner edge and a broader, smooth outer border. In addition, the reverse carries a flat, tapered pin, an upper block hinge and a curved wire catch. The photographs show the fastening with the pin both lowered and raised.These fittings form an important part of the cross’s construction. Together with the frame profile and date details, they provide useful features for comparison with documented examples.The manufacturer remains unattributed. Although the reverse photographs show the fittings clearly, they do not establish a readable maker code. Consequently, this description makes no specific factory attribution or claim of a scarce maker.
Condition and surface finish
Much of the recessed central field retains its black finish. However, rubbing affects the raised swastika, with exposed metal visible along parts of its surface and edges. The frame also shows toning, surface marks and variations in its remaining finish.On the reverse, patchy finish loss and darker areas are more pronounced. The pin, hinge and catch remain present, although their mechanical condition requires examination in hand.Please review the close-up photographs alongside this description. In particular, the front and reverse views show the contrast between the retained black finish and the wear to the surrounding metalwork.
Historical context and related examples
The 1939 pattern belongs to the Second World War series of German military decorations. The First Class used a breast fastening, allowing the recipient to wear the cross directly on the uniform.Collectors study differences in frames, centres, markings and fastening systems when comparing examples. For further reading, consult the specialist award references available from
B&D Publishing.You can also browse our
military medals collection. Alternatively, compare the fastening arrangement with our
C.F. Zimmermann screwback example.
