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.

I have completed a visual assessment of the provided German WWII military artifacts. The 1939 Iron Cross 2nd Class (EK2) appears to be a standard 'multi-piece' construction, featuring the correct blackened iron core within a silver-finished frame. The patina is consistent with age, though the lack of a visible maker's mark on the suspension ring prevents attribution to a specific manufacturer (such as Steinhauer & Lück or Godet). The rank pip is a common late-war zinc or aluminum 'Stern' typically used on Schulterklappen. Given the widespread production of these items, they remain relatively accessible on the current militaria market. The EK2 typically commands $120-$150 depending on the presence of a ribbon, while individual rank pips are nominal additions valued at $15-$25. The primary value drivers are the crispness of the swastika and the 1939 date, both of which appear well-preserved here. However, as an appraiser, I must state that a definitive assessment of authenticity is impossible without a physical examination. To confirm these are not modern high-quality 'Eastern European' fakes, I would need to perform a 'ping test' for core resonance, use a magnet to verify the ferrous core of the cross, and inspect the frame seams for evidence of casting vs. soldering. Furthermore, checking for maker marks under 10x magnification on the ring and examining the reverse prongs of the rank pip is essential. Without documented provenance or in-hand inspection, this valuation assumes period-authentic materials and construction. The market for Third Reich militaria remains strong due to high demand from historical collectors, though values are heavily dictated by the presence of original ribbons and documented history.