WH Cased Iron Cross First Class

Iron Cross 1st Class (1939) – Cased Presentation

The Iron Cross 1st Class (Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse) was a German military decoration awarded during the Second World War, re-instituted by Adolf Hitler on 1 September 1939. Originally established by King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia in 1813, the Iron Cross went through several iterations—in 1870, 1914, and finally 1939.

Design and Construction:

• The Iron Cross 1st Class is a pinback cross pattée, with a blackened iron core and a silvered frame.


• The obverse features a swastika in the center and the date "1939" at the lower arm.


• Unlike the 2nd Class, it was not worn with a ribbon but was attached directly to the tunic via a pin and catch on the reverse.


• The award was presented in a velvet-lined presentation case, typically with a white silk top lining and black exterior. These cases were issued for formal or ceremonial purposes.
  
  

The Iron Cross 1st Class was awarded to Wehrmacht personnel for:

• Acts of bravery in the field,


• Leadership in combat,


• Notable achievements above the level recognized by the 2nd Class Iron Cross.


• A recipient had to have previously received the Iron Cross 2nd Class before being eligible for the 1st Class.