WW2 German Third Reich Iron Cross 1st Class Marked 20 By C.F. Zimmermann of Pforzheim (Original)
SKU: GERMAN IRON CROSS FIRST-CLASS MEDAL
Original/Reproduction: Original
Availability: In-stock
Manufacturer: C.F. Zimmermann of Pforzheim
Manufacturer Year: 1939
Size / Dimensions:
Materials / Construction: Iron & Silver
Condition: Excellent
Price: $350.00
Seller Type: WW2C
Seller ID: JMW
Seller Code: 170
Return Policy: 3-day inspection and return policy on used guns and accessories.
Description
This is a Original Excellent Condition Iron Cross 1st Class 1939 By Zimmermann Marked ’20’, three-piece construction with nice, blackened iron core and crisp silver frame. The reverse of the Iron Cross a block hinge assembly, with vertical pin marked ’20’ on the underside for C.F. Zimmermann of Pforzheim.
History
The Iron Cross First Class stands as an outstanding and highly attractive representation of the Third Reich combat award. The iron core maintains its original factory-applied matte black paint finish with only minimal signs of old dust. This piece shows attractive toning which creates eye-catching light pastel shades on its outer flanges. During World War II the Iron Cross 1st Class (Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse) functioned as one of Nazi Germany’s most prominent military decorations. The Wehrmacht personnel received this prestigious award when they showed bravery in combat or demonstrated exceptional leadership skills after earning the Iron Cross 2nd Class. The Iron Cross 1st Class functioned as a pin-on medal which soldiers attached directly to their left breast pocket without a ribbon. The design maintained the traditional cross pattée design with a blackened iron core surrounded by a silvered frame. The swastika occupies the central position on the obverse side of the medal while the date “1939” appears below it to represent the WWII re-establishment of the award. The manufacturing process of each award involved a three-piece design which consisted of an iron core attached to two silvered frames through magnetic forces. The reverse side of the crosses bore manufacturer identification codes or logos including “L/11” for Wilhelm Deumer and “65” for Klein & Quenzer among other markings. The Iron Cross 1st Class functioned as a powerful symbol of Nazi German wartime service because it was given to tens of thousands of soldiers yet fewer recipients than the 2nd Class version. These medals have become highly valuable for collectors when they include their original presentation case along with an award certificate and documentation about the recipient's military service.
