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Important grouping to Afrikakorps Hauptmann Paul Beck serving with Kanonen-Batterie 902. An untouched grouping available on the market for the first time.
Beck must have joined the Reichswehr around 1934. Part of the grouping was a Reichswehr belt. He served with Inf.Rgt.19 and Beobachtungs-Abteilung 7 pre war as proven by insignia and maker marked gear part of the grouping. Both units were based in Munich. During the Africa Campaign he served with Kanonen-Batterie 902. Part of the grouping was also an officer's Panzer sidecap and Panzer uniform insignia. He must have served with a Panzer unit for a certain time as well. There were Artillerie-Reigment 557 insignia, too. Finally, there were Nebeltruppe Hauptmann boards found in his officer's cases. Beck therefore must have served with smoke troops as a Hauptmann, too.
An untouched grouping of great importance. Only a very few soldiers managed to bring their uniforms and gear home and avoided being captured by the British.
1939 Iron Cross 1st Class. Three-part construction. Magnetic iron center.
Screw-back pattern which he had worn with his tropical tunic. The tunic is offered as well and shows a matching hole for the cross to be attached.
Very nice condition. Unmarked. Including a additional field-made back-plate which looks to have been made from a British radio related sheet.
Condition
2+
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.
