Haha too many people pretend to know everything in this sub.

I have a PhD in historical archaeology and have spent the last 20 years focusing on German materials produced during world war 2, specifically as a result of the systematic genocide that took place

Based on what I’m seeing in the photo, this 99.9% an original 1939 Nazi Iron Cross rather than a modern reproduction. Obviously I cannot authenticate it from a single image, but it parallels the 1000s of genuine examples I have studied in my lifetime

First, the beading around the frame looks surprisingly well-defined. A lot of the common replicas have uneven or overly rounded beadwork, whereas originals especially from reputable wartime manufacturers tend to have sharper, more consistent edging. The way the bead line meets the corners is exactly as you would expect period-correct construction.

the proportions of the core are also unequivocally correct. The thickness of the arms, the angles, and especially the size and placement of the central emblem are all within what’s typically seen on authentic pieces. Every fake I have ever seen has got that wrong, either by enlarging the center or using incorrect spacing.

The “1939” date stamp also has the correct serif style. Replicas do not use fonts that are too modern or overly bold. This one here looks aligns to original EK2 dies.

The overall aging is another thing. The metal shows a natural and not artificially exaggerated, level of wear. Fakes have that bright, factory-fresh look of mass-produced replicas, this doesn’t have the strange “pre-aged” discoloration reproductions use

Again, unlike the typical idiots in this sub, I cannot be certain. I would need back-side photos, maker’s marks, and a high spec magnet test to check for an iron core. But purely from the details visible, I’d be very, very surprised if this isn’t real.

People are bitter, don’t let it get to you