Original Item. Only One Available. This is a very nice German WWII 1939 Iron Cross 2nd Class, Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse, maker marked 44 on the suspension ring for Jakob Bengel of Oberstein/Idar-Oberstein.

The cross displays the classic multi-piece Iron Cross construction, consisting of a blackened iron center enclosed within a silver-colored frame with the characteristic finely ribbed inner border. The obverse bears the central swas, with the reinstitution date 1939 on the lower arm. The reverse carries 1813, commemorating the original establishment of the Iron Cross by King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia during the Napoleonic Wars.

This example remains in very attractive condition, with the blackened iron core retaining much of its original dark finish and showing only scattered age-related wear. The surrounding frame remains well defined, with crisp beading and an appealing naturally toned patina that contrasts nicely with the darker center. The suspension ring is clearly stamped with Präsidialkanzlei des Führers Lieferant (Presidential Chancellery Supplier) 44, identifying manufacture by Jakob Bengel. The cross is accompanied by its original-pattern black, white, and red suspension ribbon, which remains in very good condition overall, with only minor thread damage visible in the red central stripe.

The 1939 Iron Cross was reinstituted on September 1, 1939. The 2nd Class served as the initial grade of the wartime Iron Cross and was awarded for acts of bravery in the face of the enemy and other distinguished military service associated with combat. Although the complete decoration was normally worn for the presentation and on certain formal occasions, recipients commonly displayed the ribbon through the second buttonhole of the field uniform afterward.