German Iron Cross First Class 1939

German Iron Cross First Class 1939-Honest example. Nicely toned silver frame and black paint is mostly intact, though it does show some slight rust along the edges, and on the 1939 date. There is a rugged block hinge, pin and round wire catch that function as intended. A good example of this desirable award. History: On March 10th, 1813, Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm III established the Iron Cross as a temporary award for bestowal during times of war. Originally the Iron Cross was introduced in three grades with a Grand Cross intended for award to Senior Commanders for successfully leading troops in combat and the First and Second classes for award to all ranks for bravery or merit in action. The Iron Crosses were reinstituted by King Wilhelm I on July 19th, 1870, for award during the Franco-Prussian War and again on August 5th, 1914, by King Wilhelm II for award during WWI. On September 1st, 1939. Hitler once more reinstituted the Iron Cross series of awards in the First and Second