Iron Cross 1st Class 1939, maker's mark 4 from the pin (Steinhauer & Lück, Lüdenscheid)

The award retained the traditional, four-armed cross pattée form of its historical predecessor foundations (1813, 1870, 1914). It is generally constructed in three parts, although single-part exceptions are known. The blackened core—usually made of magnetic iron, less often of brass or zinc—consists of a two-part, generally silver-plated frame with a finely ribbed inner edge. Unlike earlier versions, the center of the obverse featured a cross standing on its point. Nazi swastika The year is inscribed on the lower arm of the cross. "1939" For the founding year 1939. The reverse was smooth and featured a vertical pin system (pin holder, pin, and pin hook). Privately acquired duplicates also exist with various screw-on disc constructions. The cross was worn as a pin-on decoration on the left side of the uniform.

Historical estimates of the actual number of awards vary due to the war, but are generally in the range of 350.000 to approximately 500.000 copies.