A WWII Nazi German Third Reich The First Class Iron cross is enameled and engraved with detailed patterns, a swastika insignia to the center, and engraved with a date 1939 below. The design, a black cross pattee with a white or silver outline, was derived from the insignia of the medieval Teutonic Order and borne by its knights from the 13th century. A clip is on the backside. Completed with an original Certificate of Authenticity, dated, Berlin, May 16, 1942, stamped lower left. Adolf Hitler restored the Iron Cross in 1939 as a German decoration, and continued the tradition of issuing it in various classes. Legally, it is based on the Enactment for the re introduction of the Iron Cross of 1 September 1939. The Iron Cross of World War II was divided into three main series of decorations with an intermediate category, the Knights Cross, instituted between the lowest, the Iron Cross, and the highest, the Grand Cross. WWII Nazi German Third Reich Military Iron Crosses, Historical Collectables And Memorabilia.