{"product_id":"wwii-german-1939-iron-cross-1st-class-ek-1-l15-marked-pin-back-presentation-case","title":"WWII German 1939 Iron Cross 1st Class EK-1-L15 Marked Pin Back \u0026 Presentation Case","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOffered is an attractive \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1939-pattern German Iron Cross 1st Class (Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, accompanied by a fitted black presentation case.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis example features the classic black magnetic center with a raised swastika and 1939 date, surrounded by a silver-colored frame with a finely detailed beaded inner border. The reverse retains its vertical hinged pinback assembly and lower retaining catch, with a small rectangular marking on the pin that appears to read \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eL15\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Iron Cross displays attractive detailing, a well-preserved black center, and surface patina, making it a visually appealing example of one of Germany’s most recognizable military decoration designs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHistorical Background\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOriginally instituted by King Frederick William III of Prussia in 1813, the Iron Cross was reintroduced during subsequent German conflicts, including World War I.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOn September 1, 1939, Adolf Hitler reinstituted the decoration following Germany’s invasion of Poland. The 1939 pattern incorporated the swastika and date into the traditional Iron Cross design.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Iron Cross 1st Class was awarded for acts of bravery, distinguished military service, and exceptional performance in combat. Unlike the ribbon-suspended 2nd Class, the 1st Class featured a pinback attachment and was worn directly on the left breast of the military uniform.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecipients generally had to earn the Iron Cross 2nd Class before receiving the 1st Class.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDecoration Details\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe cross features a black magnetic center with a prominent raised swastika and the date 1939 on the lower arm. The silver-colored outer frame displays crisp detailing, including a finely beaded inner border and smooth raised edges.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe reverse features a flat silver-colored surface with a broad, tapered vertical pin, barrel-style hinge, and lower retaining catch.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA small rectangular stamp is present near the center of the pin and appears to read \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eL15\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe decoration exhibits magnetic attraction across the center and portions of the outer frame, while the pin itself is nonmagnetic.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePresentation Case\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAccompanying the decoration is an attractive black fitted presentation case featuring a silver-colored Iron Cross emblem on the exterior lid.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe case has a textured black exterior with a metal closure and a fitted interior designed to accommodate the decoration.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe interior features a light-colored satin-style upper lining and a tan velvet-style lower insert, providing an attractive display for the cross.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe case exhibits minor exterior wear and discoloration to the interior lining.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eCountry:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Germany\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eDesign Period:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e World War II, 1939–1945 pattern\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eDecoration:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Iron Cross 1st Class\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eGerman Designation:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse (EK1)\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eDesign:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Black magnetic center with silver-colored frame\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eObverse:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Raised swastika and 1939 date\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eReverse:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Flat silver-colored reverse\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eAttachment:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Vertical hinged pinback with lower catch\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eMarking:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Small rectangular stamp appearing to read L15\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eCase:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Black fitted presentation case with exterior Iron Cross emblem\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVery good overall collectible appearance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Iron Cross retains strong definition throughout the raised swastika, 1939 date, and detailed silver-colored frame. The black center remains well preserved, displaying minor surface wear and handling marks.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe reverse exhibits patina, areas of discoloration, and surface wear. The hinged pin and retaining catch are present and appear complete.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe presentation case retains its textured black exterior and silver-colored Iron Cross emblem. The interior displays some discoloration and wear, particularly to the light-colored lining and tan fitted insert.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Whiskey Rebellion Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67922947113037,"sku":null,"price":500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0610\/9229\/8829\/files\/camera-B26A8678-FBD5-4480-9334-1FB2E4F11B93.jpg?v=1794165044","url":"https:\/\/whiskeyrebellionantiques.com\/products\/wwii-german-1939-iron-cross-1st-class-ek-1-l15-marked-pin-back-presentation-case","provider":"Whiskey Rebellion Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}