GERMAN WWII IRON CROSS SECOND CLASS 1939 MAKER 27

This is an original Iron Cross 2nd class, Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse, and has a maker mark on the metal ring #27 which is maker Anton Schenkls of Nachfolger Wien (Vienna).   

Constructed of iron and silver, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée with a blackened magnetic iron core within a ribbed silver frame, the obverse with a central mobile swastika, the six o’clock arm with a reinstitution date of “1939”, the reverse six o’clock arm with an initial institution date of “1813”

Reinstituted 1 September 1939. 1939-1945 issue.

The Iron Cross was awarded for bravery in battle as well as other military contributions in a battlefield environment.. It was a valued decoration and many recipients have proudly documented the deeds which earned them the right to wear it.