The German Iron Cross 1st Class (Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse) is one of the most recognizable and historically significant military awards of the Third Reich, awarded for acts of bravery and leadership in combat.

The cross is made from three parts: an iron or metal core painted black, with a silver nickel border that has developed a nice coloured patina. The centre has a swastika, which was added during the Nazi era, below which is the year 1939, marking the year the medal was re-instituted for WW2.

On the reverse we have the pin, which is in working order and has the number 65, this corresponds to maker “Klein & Quenzer A.G.” a company based in “Idar-Oberstein”, Germany. They were one of the approved manufacturers of military decorations, including the Iron Cross 1st Class.