Curved, Named and Cased Iron Cross first Class

The Iron Cross First Class (Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse) was a prestigious military decoration in the Kingdom of Prussia and later the German Empire and Nazi Germany, awarded for repeated acts of bravery or exceptional military achievement in a combat environment. It was a progressive award; a soldier generally had to have already earned the Iron Cross Second Class before being eligible for the First Class. It was given for multiple acts of valor or significant meritorious service. The decoration is a cross pattée with a black iron core and a silver (or silver-plated) frame. The specific design varied by the era it was instituted (e.g., 1870, 1914, 1939), featuring the year of institution on the bottom arm. The World War II version included a swastika in the center. Unlike the Second Class, which was worn suspended from a ribbon, the First Class was a pin-on medal worn centered on the left breast pocket of the uniform tunic. It did not have a ribbon. The Iron Cross was notable because it was awarded without regard to rank, being open to all military personnel from private to general officer, although higher classes were less common among lower ranks.

This item:
This is a truly magnificent first-class Iron Cross, something you don't come across every day. Lightly worn and in very nice condition, this curved version comes in its original box. It's a three-piece construction with a magnetic core. The back is marked by the wearer with "17240" "B" "R S" and dated July 9, 1942. A beautiful piece with exquisite details and a lovely patina!