Germany, Third Reich. An Iron Cross 1939 First Class, Screwback Version by Rudolf Souval GTRexclude Commander of the U-Boat Fleet

Commander of the U-Boat Fleet

but with the original gilding worn off

on fine period ribbon

leading it in heavy defensive battles after the catastrophe of Stalingrad

measuring 51 mm x 85 mm inclusive of the bow suspension

Germany, Third Reich. An Iron Cross 1939 First Class, Screwback Version by Rudolf Souval GTRexclude Commander of the U-Boat Fleet(Eisernes Kreuz 1939 I. Klasse). Reinstituted September 1st, 1939 (1939 1945 issue). Constructed of iron and silver, consisting of a Cross Patte with a blackened magnetic iron core within a ribbed silver frame, the obverse with a central mobile swastika, the six oclock arm with a reinstitution date of 1939, the reverse is blank with the exception of a retaining pin on the twelve oclock, along with a screw post and screw back, the latter marked L58