{"product_id":"original-german-wwii-clasp-to-the-iron-cross-first-class-1939-with-pinback-spange-zum-eisernen-kreuz-2","title":"Original German WWII Clasp to the Iron Cross First Class 1939 with Pinback - Spange zum Eisernen Kreuz","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item. Only One Available. This is a very good original German WWII Clasp to the Iron Cross First Class 1939, or \u003cem\u003eSpange zum Eisernen Kreuz 1. Klasse\u003c\/em\u003e. This pinback decoration was awarded to recipients who had previously earned the 1914 Iron Cross First Class during WWI and subsequently qualified for the corresponding 1939 award during WWII.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Iron Cross was first instituted by King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia in 1813 and was revived for later German conflicts, including 1870, 1914, and 1939.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause many German servicemen entering WWII were already decorated veterans of WWI, the 1939 institution included a special clasp permitting them to display a new award without replacing their earlier 1914 Iron Cross.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo permit the two medals to be worn together, a \"1939 Clasp\" (\u003cem\u003eSpange\u003c\/em\u003e) would be worn on the original 1914 Iron Cross. It depicted a national eagle clutching an oak leaf wreath surrounding a swas above a trapezoid bearing the year 1939. The clasp was attached to the 1914 Iron Cross medal ribbon. The ribbon was then worn through a tunic button of the uniform. For the First Class award, a larger differently proportioned clasp was pinned directly on the upper breast pocket above the Iron Cross 1st class (1914) of the wearer. This pin-back clasp was usually awarded in a presentation case.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a great example of the first class type, and is in very good condition, showing only minor wear and oxidation on the plating. The details are all there, and the pinback is fully functional. The front now has a dark patina from loss of plating. We were not able to see any maker mark, but that is typical for these smaller awards. The specific shape can sometimes be used to identify the maker, but we were not able to determine the maker with this example. Measures approximately \u003cstrong\u003e45mm x 30mm\u003c\/strong\u003e, which is consistent with other period examples.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Clasp to the Iron Cross First Class is an especially interesting decoration because it directly links a recipient’s military service across both World Wars. It could only be worn by a veteran who had already received the 1914 Iron Cross First Class and then earned renewed recognition under the 1939 award system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe retained pin assembly, clear front detail, and darkened patina make this a strong representative example of the First Class Spange zum Eisernen Kreuz. The unmarked reverse and loss of plating are the principal condition and identification considerations.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45525139161157,"sku":"ONSV26CC225","price":395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV26CC225__01.jpg?v=1786374508","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-german-wwii-clasp-to-the-iron-cross-first-class-1939-with-pinback-spange-zum-eisernen-kreuz-2","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}