Germany, Wehrmacht. A Rare 1939 Grand Cross of the Iron Cross, by C.F. Zimmermann, with Maerz and Niemann Certificates

(Großkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes 1939). Reinstituted 1 September 1939. (1940 issue). Constructed of iron and silver, consisting of a Cross Pattée with a blackened magnetic iron core within a ribbed silver frame, the obverse bearing a central raised mobile swastika, the six o’clock arm bearing a raised reinstitution date of “1939”, the reverse six o’clock arm bearing a raised initial institution date of “1813”, the twelve o’clock arm topped by an integral loop which dips slightly into the frame, in turn accommodation a post-war replacement suspension ring executed according to wartime regulations, unmarked but demonstrating the characteristics of manufacture by C.F. Zimmermann, Pforzheim, measuring 63.39 mm (w) x 71.07 mm (h) (inclusive of integral loop), retrieved from a horde of wartime decorations discovered at the bomb-damaged Zimmermann factory in Pforzheim and discovered demonstrating damage consistent with heat and water exposure, subsequently expertly restored to its present near extremely fine condition, notably accompanied by comprehensive certificates of authenticity issued by both Dietrich Maerz and Detlev Niemann.

Footnote: The 1939 Grand Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded only once when, on 19 July 1940, Hermann Göring received the distinction, along with the specially-created rank of Reichsmarschall, for his oversight of the Luftwaffe during Germany’s successful invasions of Poland, France, and the Low Countries. Although the noted firm of C.E. Juncker was the sole official manufacturer of the Grand Cross, both Juncker and other award producers registered with the Leistungsgemeinschaft der Deutschen Ordenshersteller (LDO) also manufactured examples for museum and exhibition purposes, including the piece offered, which was discovered during excavations at C.F. Zimmermann’s ruined Pforzheim factory.