Wwii Rank Pip Appraisal

German WWII Rank Pip (Stern) and 1939 Iron Cross 2nd Class

Shown on a blue fabric surface are two primary metallic military artifacts from World War II-era Germany. The upper item is an Iron Cross (Eisernes Kreuz) 1939, specifically the 2nd Class version based on the mounting loop. It features a high-relief blackened iron core housed within a multi-piece silver-plated frame. The center obscenely displays a raised swastika, and the bottom arm is dated '1939'. The frame shows a pebbled texture and noticeable patina, with some wear to the silvering on the outer edges. Below it is a Rank Pip, or 'Stern' (star), used on uniform shoulder boards to denote various officer and non-commissioned officer ranks. This pip is square-shaped with four points, featuring a radial sunburst or ribbed pattern emanating from a circular center. It appears to be made of aluminum or silver-washed zinc, which was common for mid-to-late war production. The rank pip exhibits a dull, matte finish consistent with aged aluminum, though lighting causes a slight purple chromatic aberration in the photograph. Both pieces represent standard military issue craftsmanship of the period, possessing sharp geometric lines characteristic of Third Reich insignia. There are no maker's marks visible from the front view, but they are indicative of mass-produced military regalia from the 1939–1945 period.