Cobra (Quality)

Golden Age Origin
Hal Kant was a soldier in the United States military during World War II. He learned that when Nazi Germany began to loose the war, Adolf Hitler attempted to smuggle his riches out of Germany in the form of diamonds, hidden in small inconspicuous items such as a pen or a cane. Kant's company came into possession of many of these items, not knowing what they were, and brought them back to the United States as souvenirs. Kant donned the identity of the Cobra in order to throw off the police as he kill each of his former comrades to obtain the souvenirs they took. He was nearly successful, but was eventually brought to justice by Manhunter, after he nearly killed the hero and his companion, Thor.

As the Cobra, Kant carried a real cobra named "King" in the sleeve of his robes, and King would bite anyone that Kant thurst his arm toward. The Cobra was also accompanied by a small gang of armed thugs who he paid well, but they obeyed his commands just as much out of fear.

Golden Age Appearances
Police Comics #14