This exceptionally rare specimen was among the first produced after the German Cross award was instituted in September 1941.  Probably produced for less than 1 year until it was determined that a lighter cross was needed.  How was this change needed?  Because the first crosses were so heavy that soldiers kept losing them in the field.  This particular piece exhibits a precision-manufactured and installed robust pin installed to replace the thinner factory pin.  Probably executed by the recipient by a unit armorer, due to the quality of the steel used to produce the pin.  There is no sign that this pin was damaged and repaired.  Crossitself is in superb shape, with one tiny flaw to the enamel on the left cross-arm.  An example with a factory pin would sell for $6000 or more.  I have a box available for this piece for an additional price of $500 (if purchased with the cross).