German WWII Iron Cross 1st Class 1939-This is a very interesting wartime example. The finish to the iron core is 98% in place. The silver frame has a nice dark tone to it. This silver on the reverse and on the pin is in place. The pin setup functions, except please be aware that this badge was repaired at one point. The catch was re-soldered on at one point. This repair looks very old and could have been done during wartime. This pin is marked on the pin with the code “100”, indicating production by Rudolf Wachtler & Lange. A handsome example.
History: On March 10th, 1813, Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm III established the Iron Cross as a temporary award for bestowal during times of war. Originally the Iron Cross was introduced in three grades with a Grand Cross intended for award to Senior Commanders for successfully leading troops in combat and the First and Second classes for award to all ranks for bravery or merit in action. The Iron Crosses were reinstituted by King Wilhelm I on July 19th, 1870, for award during the Franco-Prussian War and again on August 5th, 1914, by King Wilhelm II for award during WWI. On September 1st, 1939, Hitler once more reinstituted the Iron Cross series of awards in the First and Second Classes and established the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross. The first-class medal was for award to personnel who performed three to five acts of bravery in combat and had already been awarded the Iron Cross second class.