#60453 Available
WH Cased Iron Cross First Class "15" Friedrich Orth
Category:
€ 545,00
Iron Cross 1st Class 1939 – Cased – Maker Mark “15” (Friedrich Orth, Vienna)
An original Iron Cross First Class 1939 (Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse) complete with its period presentation case, manufactured by the respected Viennese maker Friedrich Orth and marked with the maker code “15” on the reverse pin.
The Iron Cross 1st Class was awarded for repeated acts of bravery or exceptional leadership in combat after the recipient had already received the Iron Cross 2nd Class. Unlike the EK2, which was worn suspended from a ribbon, the EK1 was a pin-back award worn directly on the left breast pocket of the uniform.
This example displays the classic three-piece construction, consisting of a magnetic iron core with black finish and a silvered frame. The obverse features the swastika and the date 1939, marking the reintroduction of the award during the Second World War.
The reverse shows the correct vertical pin-back setup with the maker mark “15”, attributed to Friedrich Orth of Vienna, a well-known and documented producer of Iron Cross decorations during the war.
The award is accompanied by its original black leatherette case, featuring the traditional white Iron Cross outline on the lid. Inside, the case retains its cream-colored velvet insert and white satin lid, typical for EK1 presentation cases of the period.
Details
- Maker: Friedrich Orth, Vienna
- Maker Mark: 15
- Construction: Three-piece construction
- Core: Magnetic iron core with black finish
- Frame: Silvered frame
- Attachment: Vertical pin-back system
- Case: Original period presentation case included
Historical Background
The Iron Cross was originally instituted in 1813 during the Napoleonic Wars by King Frederick William III of Prussia and later reintroduced in 1870, 1914, and again in 1939 at the beginning of the Second World War.
The Iron Cross 1st Class represented a significant combat decoration and was awarded to soldiers across all branches of the German armed forces, including Heer, Luftwaffe, Kriegsmarine, and Waffen-SS.
Collector Notes
Cased Iron Cross 1st Class examples with identifiable maker marks, such as this Orth-produced “15” variant, are highly sought after by collectors of WWII German awards and militaria. The presence of the original case and untouched wartime patina makes this a desirable display and collection piece.
A classic and historically significant decoration representing the valor and combat history of the Second World War.