Original Iron Cross 1st Class 1939 by Rudolf Wächtler & Lange, Mittweida, maker marked “100” on the reverse pin. Classic three-piece construction with strong blackened core, crisp silver frame and complete pin assembly. Presented in an original period black case with gilt Iron Cross lid device, cream lining and deep purple velvet interior.
€ 600
1 in stock
This Iron Cross 1st Class 1939 is an attractive maker-marked example manufactured by Rudolf Wächtler & Lange of Mittweida. The reverse pin carries the Präsidialkanzlei maker code “100”, a recognised designation for this important wartime manufacturer.
The cross retains an excellent blackened central core, sharply defined swastika and clear 1939 date. In addition, the silver-coloured frame displays attractive natural toning from age.
Most importantly, the decoration is preserved in an original period presentation case. The black textured exterior carries a gilt Iron Cross device, while the interior features a cream-coloured lid lining and deep purple velvet medal bed.
Together, the medal and case form a particularly appealing Iron Cross 1st Class 1939 set for an advanced collection.
The Iron Cross was originally instituted by King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia in 1813.
Germany renewed the decoration on 1 September 1939. The wartime system included the Iron Cross 2nd Class, Iron Cross 1st Class, Knight’s Cross and Grand Cross.
A recipient normally had to hold the Iron Cross 2nd Class before receiving the First Class. The EK1 was awarded for further acts of bravery in combat or distinguished military leadership.
Unlike the ribbon-suspended Second Class, the Iron Cross 1st Class was worn as a breast badge. It normally appeared centrally on the left breast pocket of the uniform.
Ratisbon’s confirms that the award was worn above wound and qualification badges on the left breast.
For additional historical information, see the Wehrmacht-Awards Iron Cross 1st Class reference.
The reverse pin identifies the manufacturer through the maker code:
100
This Präsidialkanzlei number belonged to Rudolf Wächtler & Lange, Mittweida. Specialist maker lists confirm the attribution of code 100 to the firm.
Wächtler & Lange became a prolific producer of German military decorations.
Importantly, original EK1 examples by this manufacturer are known with the 100 marking positioned on the underside or reverse of the pin. Both Ratisbon’s and eMedals document this precise configuration.
The firm also used the LDO number L/55 for private-purchase decorations.
The present Iron Cross 1st Class 1939 displays the classic three-piece construction associated with wartime EK1 production.
Its principal components consist of:
Wehrmacht-Awards documents the standard EK1 as a three-piece breast badge with a solid silvered reverse plate and rear attachment mechanism.
Comparable Wächtler & Lange examples also use a magnetic iron core and three-piece construction.
The front retains excellent visual definition.
At the centre sits the raised swastika against the blackened iron core. Below it appears the date:
1939
The surrounding beaded frame remains sharp. Likewise, the outer frame shows good definition along all four arms.
Minor wear and toning have developed naturally across the exposed silver surfaces.
By contrast, the black core remains particularly strong.
The reverse displays the broad solid backing expected on an EK1.
A vertical pin extends from the upper hinge toward the lower catch. Furthermore, the pin carries the important maker mark 100.
This feature provides a firm manufacturer attribution to Wächtler & Lange.
A virtually identical maker-marked example is documented by Ratisbon’s as a three-piece magnetic EK1 by Wächtler & Lange with code 100 on the inside of the pin.
eMedals also records maker-100 EK1s with the same basic pin, hinge and catch arrangement.
The case is an important part of the ensemble.
Its exterior is covered in black textured material. A gilt Iron Cross outline decorates the centre of the lid.
Inside, the upper section retains its aged cream-coloured textile lining.
The lower section is finished in rich purple velvet, creating an attractive contrast with the black and silver cross.
Purple or violet velvet interiors are documented on period Iron Cross cases. Specialist references also record black textured exteriors with gilt or silver Iron Cross devices.
The present case shows genuine age and storage wear. Consequently, it complements the decoration particularly well.
For catalogue accuracy, the case is best described as an original period presentation or private-purchase case unless documentary evidence confirms that Wächtler & Lange supplied this exact case with the cross.
The available photographs show numerous characteristics consistent with an original wartime Iron Cross 1st Class 1939.
Positive features include:
The manufacturer attribution is independently supported by specialist references.
Strongly consistent with an original wartime Wächtler & Lange Iron Cross 1st Class.
A magnet test of the central core would provide an additional useful confirmation. Known maker-100 examples normally use a magnetic iron centre.
The cross remains in very good to excellent collector condition.
A high percentage of the original black finish survives on the central core. Meanwhile, the raised swastika and 1939 date remain exceptionally clear.
The silver frame displays attractive toning together with light handling wear.
No obvious serious frame separation is visible.
Likewise, the rear pin assembly appears complete.
The presentation case shows substantially more age than the medal. Wear to the textured exterior, staining to the cream lining and general edge wear are all visible.
Nevertheless, the case remains highly presentable and provides excellent historical character.
Do not clean or polish the cross.
Removing the silver toning would reduce both its originality and collector appeal. Similarly, chemical treatment of the black core should be avoided.
The pin should only be opened when necessary.
Care is particularly important around the hinge because repeated manipulation of an eighty-year-old mechanism can cause unnecessary stress.
The case should also remain untreated. Modern leather polish or dye could permanently alter its original surface.
Recent specialist evidence provides an excellent comparison for this set.
Ratisbon’s sold a Wächtler & Lange maker-100 Iron Cross 1st Class with matching case in July 2025 for €500 hammer. The auction house described that cross as a three-piece magnetic example marked 100 on the pin and accompanied by its case.
Another Wächtler & Lange cased example is documented by Ratisbon’s in outstanding condition.
Helmut Weitze currently lists an uncased Wächtler & Lange maker-100 EK1 at approximately €350, while other cased EK1 examples from recognised manufacturers are generally listed at substantially higher levels.
Therefore, auction hammer results should not be confused with specialist retail asking prices.
Several factors strengthen the present example:
Taking these characteristics and recent market evidence into account, an appropriate specialist retail price is:
Estimated collector range: €650–€850
A confirmed magnetic core and definitive identification of the case as the original matching case supplied with the decoration would support the upper end of this range.
A maker-marked Iron Cross 1st Class 1939 is considerably more useful to a specialist collection than an anonymous example.
The number 100 gives this cross a documented manufacturer attribution.
Furthermore, the accompanying presentation case creates a complete and visually impressive display.
Comparable original Wächtler & Lange examples remain well recognised within the specialist Iron Cross collecting community.
Explore related listings: Iron Crosses; German Medals and Awards; Nordmenn Militaria Collection.
Compare a directly documented example through Ratisbon’s – Wächtler & Lange 100 Iron Cross 1st Class with Case.
For construction details, see Wehrmacht-Awards – Iron Cross 1st Class.
For another documented maker-100 example, see eMedals – Iron Cross First Class by Maker 100.
Further market comparisons can be found through Helmut Weitze Militaria.
This Iron Cross 1st Class 1939 is a particularly attractive maker-marked example by Rudolf Wächtler & Lange, Mittweida.
The highly desirable 100 maker mark remains visible on the pin. In addition, the cross retains strong black core finish and crisp frame detail.
Its accompanying original period presentation case adds considerable visual appeal.
The gilt Iron Cross on the black exterior combines beautifully with the aged cream lining and deep purple velvet interior.
As a result, this is an excellent cased EK1 for an advanced collection of German military awards.
