IRON CROSS I CLASS 1939
The first class was introduced on the 1st September 1939.
The Iron Cross 1st Class had the same dimensions and identical obverse features
as the 2nd Class (44mm by 44mm). It was again constructed of 3 pieces, but the
reverse was a solid silvered metal piece with only the attachment mechanism
present, usually a “fat bellied” pin and hook.
Usually this pin has a maker mark but also without maker mark is possible!
The solid iron core was fitted between the back piece and the front frame with
the manufacturers mark, if any, was stamped on the pin or on the lower arm of
the Cross. The soldering was again very neat, with only the slimmest of lines
present. The Cross was finished in mat or semi-mat black and the quality of the
pieces manufactured was again exceptional.
A privately purchase variation that is often encountered is the “screwback” type that was considerably more secured and preferred by combat troops. Instead of a
pin, these Crosses had a protruding threaded tube that was placed through the
tunic and held by a round plate and that screwed on from behind. A small pin on
the reverse of the upper arm kept the Cross from rotating on its axis. Crosses
not made from solid iron also exist, presumably for wear by Kriegsmarine, and
initially some manufacturers produced convex Crosses (which were popular in
World War I) but this practice was officially discontinued by May 1941.
The Cross was presented in a black leathered box with an imprint of the Iron
Cross in silver on the lid. The lining on the inside lid was white satin and the
base was velvet, with an impression where the award snugly fit. As with the 2nd
Class, a standard award document and the proper Soldbuch and Wehrpass notes and
stamps accompanied the Cross.
The Iron Cross 1st Class was worn on the left breast pocket of the tunic at all
times. Because of this, most recipients purchased an official copy of the award
to keep the original safe and when this was done, many preferred the
screw-back
variation described above.
Manufacturers;
No Maker
1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 15, 20, 25, 26, 52, 65, 100, 107
L/10, L/11, L/12, L/13, L/15, L/16, L/16, L/18, L/19, L/50, L/52, L/53, L/54,
L/55, L/56, L/57, L/58, L/59, L/68, L/73.
TO RECEIVE THE IRON CROSS FIRST CLASS;
You must have perform three to four further acts of courage from the one that
earned him the Iron Cross 2nd class!
The Iron Cross First Class coult also be received by a single act of great
importance or a long steady career!
Between 300 000 and 575 000 Iron Cross First Class where awarded during the
Second World War! Sometimes, when the recipient was awarded the EK 1st class but did not already
possess the EK 2nd class, both awards were given simultaneously.
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