What medal is this?

[Felix C]

Purported to have been brought back when stationed in Germany post-ww2.

[THEDANGLER]

Good day Felix...

To me you've got an iron cross 1st class with the screw-back fastener.
I believe that these types were a private purchase option for the recipient of the EK1.
Looks legit from the pic.(the rust on the iron core but not on the frame).
Frame should be non magnetic.
A shot or two of the back and any markings would help.
That sums up my limited knowledge of these.
Hope it helps a little.

[John G.]

Felix....
You can't really tell anything just from the one blurry picture....except "EK 39 screwback"....no way of guessing if it's real or not....there are plenty of bad 3 pc. magnetic screwbacks....repros were being made & traded/sold immediately postwar!

I'll reserve opinion until we have good look (in focus!) at back.... screw plate....and any markings.
John G.

[William Kramer]

Hello Felix,

We would need to see a photo of the reverse of the cross, preferably in focus and on a neutral background in order to better help provide you with some information behind it.

William Kramer

[ChristopherPerrien]

The wear and the rust all "look" right. But that is neither here nor there. Definitely need clearer views and a back side view.

[Felix C]

Well it sold for $450 to a collector. Must have been genuine.

Thanks. I did not know the EK could be purchased privately.

[John G.]

The fact it sold for $450.00 doesn't mean it was real.....
"all" German decorations "in theory" could be privately purchased....the buyer was supposed to be able to verify he was eligible....but many officers bought "wearing versions" or "delux versions"....especially prewar! All screwbacks would be privately purchased (sometimes for special presentation, too!)....but are also heavily copied!
John G.

[Felix C]

I hear you. Poor use of wording on my part. Buyer knew what was what. My only book on Nazi Regalia is the one published by Ballantine in the 1970s!