An early 1939 Iron Cross 1st Class. Unmarked, but clearly made by Wilhelm Deumer, Lüdenscheid. Three-part construction. Iron core. Original black paint. Slightly curved.
Engraved to the reverse by the recipient "AR 9" and "Be" as well as "8.B" (maybe 8. Batterie/Artillerie-Regiment 9, "Be" initials of the recipient ?). Very hard to read.
Nicely worn.
The same type is published in the reference book "The Iron Cross 1. Class" by Dietrich Marz & Georg Stimson on page 85 and 91.
Condition
good condition
Historical information
NAME
Order of the Iron Cross 1. Class
DATE OF INSTITUTION
1. September 1939 as the second grade of the re-instituted Order of the Iron Cross
AWARD CRITERIA
The Iron Cross was awarded for particular bravery in the face of the enemy and for outstanding merit in troop leadership. The awarding of a higher grade required the previous awarding of the lower grade. Divisional commanders were authorized to award the Iron Cross 1. Class and stocks were kept at divisional level.
MANUFACTURERS
The Iron Cross 1. Class was produced by at least 26 manufacturers, not including variations amongst the individual companies. The crosses can be found either unmarked, with Präsidialkanzlei number (after the end of 1942 / early1943), or with LDO number for private purchase.
AWARD NUMBERS
Accurate numbers are not known but the closest estimation is around 800,000 - 900,000 awarded and most likely double the number produced.
AWARD DOCUMENTS
The division issued the award document in the format A5 in the name of the Führer and Supreme Commander of the Wehrmacht (after mid-1943 only in the name of the Führer) and was signed by the divisional commander.
WEARING METHOD
The cross was worn on the left breast pocket above any Wound Badge and war badges.
