Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very attractive original German WWII 1939 Iron Cross First Class (Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse, commonly abbreviated EKI), complete with its fitted presentation case. The award is maker marked “15” on the reverse pin, the Präsidialkanzlei manufacturer code assigned to Friedrich Orth of Wien (Vienna), Austria.

The EKI is of the familiar multi-piece construction, with a black central core enclosed by a silver-colored frame with the characteristic finely beaded inner border. The obverse displays the raised central swas. with the date 1939 at the bottom. The frame remains nicely defined, with crisp beading and good overall detail.

The reverse is plain and fitted with a vertical pin-back attachment consisting of the upper hinge, tapered pin, and lower retaining catch. Most importantly, the pin is clearly stamped: 15

The award is accompanied by an attractive fitted EKI presentation case measuring approximately 7 x 7 cm (2 ¾” x 2 ¾”). The square case features a black textured exterior with a silver-colored outline of the Iron Cross on the lid. The interior is lined with cream-colored fabric in the upper section and fitted with a tan velvet-covered insert below, shaped specifically to hold the decoration.

The cross remains in very good condition for its age. The black central finish is substantially retained, showing expected age, surface wear, and some discoloration. The frame has developed a subdued patina, while the reverse shows scattered age-related oxidation and finish loss. The pin, hinge, and catch are all present, with no obvious repairs visible.

The case displays considerably more age and handling, with edge wear, surface loss to the black exterior covering, and fading to the silver lid emblem. The cream lid lining has scattered staining, while the tan lower insert shows discoloration, compression, edge wear, and small areas of deterioration. Please consult the photographs for the exact condition.

The Iron Cross was a decoration with roots extending back to the Prussian institution of 1813 and was renewed in several later conflicts. The 1939 version was re-instituted on September 1, 1939, with the First Class forming the grade above the Iron Cross Second Class. The decoration was awarded for particular bravery in the presence of the enemy or distinguished military leadership, and receipt of the higher First Class normally required that the recipient had already earned the Second Class.

Unlike the ribbon-suspended Second Class, the EKI was designed as a breast decoration and was normally worn attached directly to the left breast pocket of the uniform by means of its pin-back hardware. This distinction made the First Class immediately recognizable when worn and reflected its position as a higher grade within the Iron Cross series.