German, WW2, Iron Cross 2nd Class 1939 (Eisernes Kreuz II Klasse) Award Group to Leutnant d.R. Johann Theobald, Grenadier Regiment 239, with Named Besitzzeugnis & Original Ribbon

*German, WW2, Iron Cross 2nd Class 1939 (Eisernes Kreuz II Klasse) Award Group to Leutnant d.R. Johann Theobald, Grenadier Regiment 239, with Named Besitzzeugnis & Original Ribbon*

- Original WW2 German Iron Cross 2nd Class (Eisernes Kreuz II Klasse) award group
- Complete with named Besitzzeugnis award document and original ribbon
- Awarded to Leutnant d.R. Johann Theobald, 14./Grenadier-Regiment 239
- Dated 6 July 1943 during Eastern Front operations
- Signed by Generalleutnant Hermann Flörke, Knight’s Cross & Oak Leaves recipient
- Extremely desirable officer-issued award document to a reserve lieutenant
- Reverse Feldpostnummer “58798” provides exact internal validation to Grenadier Regiment 239 staff
- Issued within just one week of Flörke assuming divisional command
- Classic three-piece magnetic construction with silvered frame and black iron core
- Strong untouched wartime condition with authentic paper ageing and archival filing holes

An original Second World War German Iron Cross 2nd Class (Eisernes Kreuz II. Klasse) award grouping comprising the medal together with its matching named award document (Besitzzeugnis), issued to Leutnant der Reserve Johann Theobald of the 14th Company, Grenadier Regiment 239 on 6 July 1943.

Award documents to officers are considerably scarcer and more desirable than standard enlisted examples, particularly when fully attributable to identifiable frontline combat formations on the Eastern Front. The recipient held the rank of Leutnant d.R. (Lieutenant of the Reserves), giving the grouping strong collector and research appeal.

The award document is issued in the name of the Führer and Supreme Commander of the Wehrmacht and bears the period signature of Generalleutnant Hermann Flörke, commander of the 14th Infantry Division and recipient of both the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz) and the Oak Leaves (Eichenlaub). His signature is highly sought after on wartime award documentation.

The typed citation reads: "Leutnant d.R. Johann Theobald, 14./Gren.-Rgt.239" / "Das Eiserne Kreuz 2. Klasse" / "Div.-Gef.-Std., den 6. Juli 1943". At the time of issue, Grenadier Regiment 239 was serving on the Eastern Front under Army Group Centre during the critical summer operations surrounding the wider Kursk campaign and the defensive sectors near Smolensk and Rzhev. The award was almost certainly connected to frontline combat or defensive actions undertaken during this intense operational period.

Particularly significant is the precise dating of the document. Hermann Flörke officially assumed command of the 14th Infantry Division on 30 June 1943, only six days prior to this award being issued. As such, this document represents one of Flörke’s very earliest official divisional award actions following his appointment as commanding general — an exceptionally narrow and historically identifiable command window.

 The document itself displays strong wartime characteristics throughout, including natural paper toning, edge wear, archival hole punches, ink bleed-through, and period oxidation spotting. The faded Dienstsiegel area and field-issued typewriter formatting are entirely consistent with authentic mid-war divisional award paperwork. Of particular importance are the original reverse-side pencil notations, all relating directly to the recipient’s regiment and administrative handling. The handwritten Feldpostnummer 58798 directly cross-references to the Stab Grenadier-Regiment 239 (Regimental Headquarters and Staff), precisely matching the Grenadier-Regiment 239 designation typed on the front of the document. Alongside this appears the handwritten notation “Paulus,” executed in period German Kurrent/Sütterlin-style script, likely identifying the company clerk, filing officer, or administrative handler responsible for processing or archiving the award paperwork. Together, these reverse-side annotations provide exceptional internal validation and administrative continuity between the front-issued award citation and the rear archival markings, effectively confirming a fully coherent period wartime document retained within its original regimental records system. The graphite remains naturally embedded within the paper fibres, entirely consistent with genuine wartime handling and long-term archival storage.

The accompanying Iron Cross retains its classic three-piece wartime construction, consisting of a magnetic blackened iron core housed within a silvered frame with finely beaded borders. The obverse displays the central swastika with the date “1939” to the lower arm, denoting the wartime re-institution of the decoration, while the reverse bears the original founding date “1813”. The cross is suspended from its original black, white, and red ribbon showing honest period wear and age.

Approx. Measurements – Iron Cross Width: 44 mm. Approx. Document Size – 13.9 cm x 20 cm.

History Note:
The Iron Cross was originally instituted in 1813 by King Frederick William III of Prussia during the Wars of Liberation against Napoleon. Designed by architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel, the cross pattée form with black iron core rapidly became one of the most recognisable military decorations in Europe.

The decoration was revived during major German conflicts including the Franco-Prussian War (1870) and the First World War (1914). With the outbreak of the Second World War, Adolf Hitler reintroduced the award on 1 September 1939, incorporating the swastika emblem and the date “1939” to distinguish the new wartime issue.

The Iron Cross 2nd Class was among the most widely awarded German combat decorations of WWII, presented for bravery in battle, leadership under fire, or distinguished military conduct. Recipients traditionally wore the ribbon through the second buttonhole of the field tunic while reserving the medal itself for parade or formal wear.

During the war, millions of Iron Crosses were produced by numerous German manufacturers using the traditional three-piece construction of an iron core and silvered frame. While many examples bear maker marks stamped to the suspension ring, a significant number of authentic wartime crosses remain entirely unmarked.

Named award documents accompanied by their original decoration are considerably more desirable to collectors, particularly examples attributable to identifiable officers, combat formations, or Eastern Front service. Groupings connected to documented divisions and signed by identifiable commanders such as Hermann Flörke provide especially strong historical research potential and display appeal.

*Condition*
Very good overall condition for age. The Iron Cross retains much of its original black core finish with light edge wear and minor oxidation consistent with genuine wartime manufacture. The silvered frame shows natural toning and handling wear throughout. Suspension ring appears unmarked. Ribbon remains intact with light fraying to the edges. The core remains magnetic.

The award document displays natural age toning, fold marks, archival filing holes to the left margin, and scattered foxing/handling wear. Ink and type remain clear and legible throughout. Reverse side retains original period pencil annotations and visible bleed-through from the front text. An untouched and historically coherent wartime award grouping. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.