*German, WW2, Third Reich Iron Cross 1939, 1st Class. (Eisernes Kreutz 1 Klasse), Maker Marked 20 for C.F. Zimmerman Pforzheim, with Original Box named W. Herhold*
Third Reich Iron Cross, 1st Class. (Eisernes Kreutz 1 Klasse). This is a multi-piece construction with a magnetic blackened iron core within a ribbed silver border, the obverse with a raised central mobile swastika with the re-institution date “1939”. Complete with pin back fixing maker marked 20 for C.F. Zimmerman, Pforzheim. Good quality details.
The German Iron Cross 1939 is a former military Prussian decoration, awarded for bravery and restored by Adolf Hitler in 1939. The Iron Cross of World War II was graded into three main categories the Iron Cross 2nd Class (Eiserne Kreuz II), Iron Cross 1st Class (Eiserne Kreuz 1), and the Knights Cross which replaced the Prussian Pour le Mérite or “Blue Max”. The 1st Class Iron Cross was a pinback award, worn on the left tunic pocket, while the 2nd Class cross was suspended from a ribbon when worn. The Iron Cross was originally founded in 1813 and was considered Germany’s highest military decoration. The Iron Cross was conferred upon military personnel who rendered outstanding service and demonstrated unwavering bravery in the face of the enemy. In order to receive a higher grade, an individual had to first receive a lower grade.
The box has a hand written name on the inside: W. Herhold – the H is unclear and could equally be O,D,B. Willi Herold (11 September 1925 – 14 November 1946), known as “the Executioner of Emsland,” was a German war criminal. Towards the end of World War II in Europe, Herold deserted from the German Army and, posing as a Luftwaffe captain, orchestrated the mass execution of German army deserters at a prison camp. He was later arrested by British forces and executed for war crimes on 14 November 1946 at Wolfenbüttel prison. He claimed he was awarded the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class (for supposedly destroying two British tanks on the beaches of Salerno). Records of him ever receiving these medals have so far not been found.
*Condition*
This cross and box are in excellent condition commensurate with its age and service. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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