Iron Cross 2nd Class 1939 – Michael Schenkl Wien – Beautiful Patina

An original German military award, the Iron Cross 2nd Class, instituted in 1939. This piece is preserved in an excellent, authentic condition and has never been cleaned, allowing a beautiful, dark natural patina to develop over the silvered frame. It features a classic three-piece construction with a magnetic, blackened core held within a frame with polished highlights. The obverse displays a raised swastika and the year 1939, while the reverse shows the historical date 1813. The award is attributed to the esteemed Viennese maker Michael Schenkl, recognized for his precise manufacturing style. Included is a section of original ribbon with vibrant colors. This cross is a high-grade collector's item for those who value objects in their untouched, historical state.

Historical context:
The Iron Cross is a symbol of battlefield bravery with a tradition dating back to the Napoleonic Wars. The 1939 version was widely awarded, but specimens preserved in "drawer condition" with natural aging are highly sought after by advanced collectors. Products from Vienna-based firms, such as Michael Schenkl, were renowned for high-quality materials and the precision of the cross's assembly.