An original WWII German Iron Cross 1st Class Screwback (1939) manufactured by Rudolf Wächtler & Lange of Mittweida (L/55). Complete with its original screw fastening disc, this scarce LDO-marked three-piece construction example retains an attractive untouched patina and is an excellent addition to any serious collection of Second World War German militaria.
€ 600
An original Second World War German Iron Cross 1st Class Screwback (Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse) complete with its original screw fastening disc. This privately purchased example features the classic three-piece construction with a black magnetic iron core and silvered frame, displaying the swastika to the centre and the date 1939 to the lower arm.
The reverse retains its original screwback fitting and is clearly marked L/55, identifying manufacture by Rudolf Wächtler & Lange of Mittweida, Saxony. The company was an authorised member of the Leistungsgemeinschaft der Deutschen Ordenshersteller (LDO) and used the code L/55 on privately purchased awards, while also using the Präsidialkanzlei (PKZ) maker number 100 on official production. Original L/55 screwback Iron Crosses are scarce and highly sought after by collectors.
This example displays an attractive untouched appearance with honest age-related wear throughout. The magnetic iron core retains much of its original black finish, while the silvered frame exhibits pleasing patina and areas of finish wear consistent with wartime service and age. The reverse is complete with the original screwback post and matching screw fastening disc, making this a desirable and complete set.
Instituted by Adolf Hitler on 1 September 1939, the Iron Cross 1st Class was awarded only after the recipient had first received the Iron Cross 2nd Class and had subsequently distinguished themselves through further acts of bravery or exceptional military leadership. Worn on the left breast pocket of the field tunic, it became one of the most recognisable military decorations of the Second World War.
A genuine and increasingly difficult to find L/55 Rudolf Wächtler & Lange screwback Iron Cross, complete with its original screw disc and ideal for the advanced collector of German military awards.
The Iron Cross (Eisernes Kreuz) was first instituted by King Frederick William III of Prussia in 1813 during the Napoleonic Wars. It was subsequently reissued in 1870, 1914, and finally in 1939, when Adolf Hitler reinstated the award following the outbreak of the Second World War.
The Iron Cross 1st Class recognised repeated acts of bravery, distinguished leadership, and exceptional military service in combat. Eligibility required prior award of the Iron Cross 2nd Class, making the 1st Class one of Germany’s highest and most respected battlefield decorations.
Unlike the more commonly encountered pin-back examples, screwback Iron Crosses were privately purchased by recipients through authorised retailers. These awards utilised a threaded post and screw disc to secure the decoration to the uniform and were manufactured under the supervision of the LDO (Leistungsgemeinschaft der Deutschen Ordenshersteller). Today, original screwback examples are considerably scarcer than their pin-back counterparts.
Rudolf Wächtler & Lange, based in Mittweida, Saxony, was one of the principal wartime manufacturers of Iron Crosses. The firm used the LDO maker code L/55 on privately purchased awards and PKZ code 100 on officially contracted production. Their products are recognised for their excellent quality and are highly regarded by collectors, with original L/55 screwback Iron Crosses being particularly desirable due to their relative scarcity.
Very good original condition throughout. The magnetic iron core retains much of its original black finish, while the silvered frame shows attractive age-related patina and honest finish wear consistent with wartime use. The reverse retains the original screwback post together with its original matching screw fastening disc. The L/55 maker mark remains clearly visible. A genuine, untouched example with excellent collector appeal. Please study the photographs carefully as they form part of the description.
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