CASED WW2 GERMAN IRON CROSS 1ST CLASS

SOLD

Rare Iron Cross 1st class, in original award case. Very good silver frame, with good black matt enamel to core & central square swastika. Pin backed and maker stamped '100' to underside of pin (Rudolf Wachtler & Lange of Mittwaida).Case is solid overall with good stencilled silver iron cross frame to top of lid.

Originally the Iron Cross was introduced in three grades with a Grand Cross intended for award to Senior Commanders for successfully leading troops in combat and the First and Second classes for award to all ranks for bravery or merit in action. The Iron Crosses were reinstituted by King Wilhelm I on July 19TH 1870 for award during the Franco-Prussian War and again on August 5TH 1914, by King Wilhelm II for award during WWI. On September 1ST 1939 Hitler once more reinstituted the Iron Cross series of awards in the First and Second Classes and established the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross. The first class medal was for award to personnel who performed three to five acts of bravery in combat and had already been awarded the Iron Cross second class.