1939 “Schinkel Form” Iron Cross First Class

The “Schinkel form” Iron Crosses reflected the use by some medals manufacturers of the silver frames for the 1914 Iron Crosses that they still had on hand until they could begin production of the broader frame that had been prescribed for the 1939 Iron Cross. The regulations of the LDO (the “Leistungs Gemeinschaft der Deutscher Ordenshersteller”, or “Administration of German Orders Manufacturers”) put a stop to this practice. The cross is in good condition, showing some wear to the paint on the iron core and some small spots of rust where there has been paint loss, with a dark and uncleaned patina to the silver frame.