Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice original German WWII 1939 Iron Cross First Class, or Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse (EKI or EK1). Of particular collector interest, the reverse pin is clearly stamped 20 near the hinge, the Präsidialkanzlei des Führers Lieferant (Presidential Chancellery Supplier) manufacturer code assigned to C. F. Zimmermann of Pforzheim, Germany.

The central Tatzenkreuz, or cross pattée, is surrounded by the familiar raised, finely detailed frame with a raised crenulated decorative border. The obverse bears the national emblem at center with 1939 on the lower arm. A fine seam can also be seen around portions of the edge where the two halves of the surrounding frame were joined during manufacture, a characteristic of the traditional construction used on many period Iron Crosses.

The black-painted iron core retains the great majority of its original finish, with scattered fine scratches and minor wear from age and handling. The central swas. and raised 1939 date remain crisp and well defined. The surrounding frame retains a naturally aged appearance, with areas of brighter finish accompanied by light toning and patination. The reverse displays a more uniform patina, while the complete pin, hinge, and catch assembly remains intact.

Unlike the Iron Cross Second Class, which was suspended from a ribbon, the First Class was designed as a breast decoration and was worn directly on the left side of the uniform. Consequently, EKIs were produced with various reverse fastening arrangements, most commonly a hinged pin and catch such as that found on this example, although wartime screw-back variations were also manufactured.

There is no more iconic German military decoration than the Iron Cross (Eisernes Kreuz, abbreviated EK). The long history of the Iron Cross began during the Napoleonic Wars. It was established by King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia on 10 March 1813, during the Wars of Liberation against Napoleonic France. The date coincided with the birthday of his late wife, the popular Queen Louise of Prussia, and is generally regarded as a tribute to her memory. The award criteria changed somewhat over time, but generally speaking, Iron Crosses were awarded for individual acts of bravery or distinguished military leadership in wartime. The distinctive design is associated with the celebrated Prussian architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel, whose black cross with silver-colored border drew upon the heraldic cross traditionally associated with the Teutonic Knights.

There were a number of different types and grades of the Iron Cross throughout its long history, but the basic distinction between the two most widely awarded grades, the Iron Cross 1st Class and Iron Cross 2nd Class, remained largely the same. The First Class was a breast decoration, with fittings on the reverse allowing it to be worn directly on the uniform. These fittings varied considerably over time and from maker to maker, and could consist of a simple pin and catch, a screw post and retaining disc, or other arrangements. The Second Class was suspended from a ribbon. Earlier versions generally used the Prussian colors of black and white, while the 1939 version used the distinctive black, white, and red colors associated with Germany at the time.

The Iron Cross was principally a military decoration, although in exceptional circumstances it could also be awarded to civilians whose work directly supported military operations. Two well-known examples were the test pilots Hanna Reitsch, who received both the Iron Cross 2nd Class and 1st Class, and Melitta Schenk Gräfin von Stauffenberg, who received the Iron Cross 2nd Class for her wartime aviation work. Reitsch's receipt of both grades was particularly unusual for a civilian and made her one of the best-known female recipients of the Iron Cross during WWII.