1939 First Class Iron Cross - Magnetic
on original breast ribbon
the red enamelling on "CCCP" having been lost to time
the Pinerolo defended Larissa against German attacks and then retired towards the Pindus mountain range where it joined the Greek People's Liberation Army in fighting the Germans
hairline cracks and section of replaced enamels visible on the white cross
Germany, Federal Republic. A German Social Welfare Decoration, I Class Cross with Case, Exhibition Example by Rudolf Souval c. 1960 Auction Archive 1939 First Class Iron CrossEhrenzeichen fr deutsche Volkspflege I. Klasse mit Etui, Museumsstck). Constructed of gilded bronze with multi coloured enamels, consisting of a Geneva Cross with white enameled arms, the obverse bearing a central raised NSDAP style German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, executed in black enamels with gilt highlights, the twelve oclock arm topped by an eyelet and loop retaining a ribbed suspension ring with an oak leaf