Iron Cross EK1 By Zimmermann With Outer Cardboard Box

An original Iron Cross EK1 by Zimmermann with an outer cardboard box, the iron cross is three-piece construction with a blackened iron core, within a ribbed border.  The obverse depicts a mobile swastika in the centre of a Prussian-style cross with the re-institution date “1939” embossed below.  The reverse of the iron cross has a vertical pinback, and barrel hinge with a flat wire catch marked “L52” below for C.F. Zimmermann of Pforzheim.  The outer cardboard box is inscribed on the lid “EISERNES KREUZ I. KLASSE 1939” (Iron Cross 1st Class 1939) and “NUR VOM EMPFÄNGER ZU ÖFFNEN” (Only For Recipient To Open) the edge has the maker “Fritz Zimmermann Ordenfabrik, Stuttgart”, measuring 70 mm (w) x 75 mm (l) x 25 mm (h).

The box is damaged with plenty of wear, but the medals is in good condition.