Just now getting some of the paperwork translated that came with these relics. This document is the official orders for this Iron Cross First Class. It is named to Corporal Josef Wenger of the 10 Flakregiment 46. The orders are dated 11 March, 1945 and signed by the Commanding general of the 1st FlakCorps. You don't come across Iron Crosses in this condition everyday, let alone named and documented ones. This is a cased World War II German Iron Cross First Class in the original presentation case made by Wilhelm Deumer. The Iron Cross was issued over several different periods of German history. The era it derives from is annotated at the bottom of the cross, World War I bears the year 1914, World War II 1939. The reverse side of the second class cross is annotated with the year 1813. This symbolizes the year the award was created. Iron Crosses awarded in 1813, 1870 and 1914 all had black ribbons with two thin white bands. These were the national colors of Prussia. Through World War I the Iron Cross had three grades, 2nd Class, 1st Class and Grand Cross of the Iron Cross. Iron Cross 1st Class medals were worn on the left side of the recipient's uniform and attached to the uniform by means of a pin or screw backs. The grand Cross and the Iron Cross Second Class were suspended from ribbons. Adolf Hitler was a recipient of the Iron Cross 2nd Class and 1st Class from World War I. After he assumed power, he restored the Iron Cross in 1939 as a German decoration and continued the tradition of issuing it in various classes. The Iron Cross of World War II was divided into three main series of decorations with an intermediate category known as the Knight's Cross instituted between the lowest award of the Iron Cross and the highest award of the Grand Cross. The Knight's Cross replaced the Blue Max, a Prussian award that could only be awarded to officers. The standard 1939 Iron Cross was issued in two grades, Iron Cross 2nd Class and Iron Cross 1st Class. It was awarded for bravery in battle as well as other military contributions in a battlefield environment. The Iron Cross 2nd Cross was worn from the second button in the tunic for the first day after the award. In formal dress the entire cross was worn mounted alone or as part of a medal bar. During everyday wear only the ribbon was worn from the second buttonhole in the tunic. The Iron Cross 1st Class was a pin on medal with no ribbon and was worn centered on the left uniform breast pocket. It was a progressive award, witht the 2nd Class having to be earned before the first class could be awarded. Estimates put around 4 1/2 million Iron Cross 2nd Class and 300,000 Iron cross 1st Class were awarded during World War II. Probably one of the mist iconic medals associated with Germany or either world war for that matter, the Iron Cross represented bravery displayed in battle by it's recipient. This one is in good condition, showing some wear. The case is in like wise condition.

Item # AA752

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