Germany, Imperial. A 1914 Iron Cross I Class, with Case to Otto Freiherr von Brandenstein

(Eisernes Kreuz 1914 I. Klasse mit Etui). A rare and unique personalized 1914 Iron Cross I Class, constructed of iron and silver, consisting of a Cross Pattée with a blackened magnetic iron core within a ribbed silver frame, the obverse with a central initial “W”, the six o’clock arm with an initial institution date of “1914”, the twelve o’clock arm with a royal crown, the reverse with an elongated barrel hinge and vertical pinback meeting a round wire catch, bearing a clearly legible engraving of “FRH. V. BRANDENSTEIN, 1. AUGUST 1914, VII. AK”, with a maker’s mark of “KO” for an unconfirmed manufacturer, measuring 43.19 mm (w) x 43.21 mm (h), weighing 17.7 grams, accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of a light wooden frame with a faux black leather exterior, the lid bearing a silver embossed Cross Pattée, the interior with a white satin lid liner and slotted dark blue velvet medal bed, opening with metal spring catch with exterior stud release, unmarked, measuring 66 mm (w) x 66 mm (l) x 20 mm (h), also accompanied by its period original package of issue, constructed of light brown cardstock, the exterior retaining a label bearing the title of the award in black Fraktur script and instructions that only the recipient is to open it, measuring 75 mm (w) x 70 mm (l) x 25 mm (h), minor oxidation is evident to the cross, in addition to material fatigue of the presentation case, a complete and attributed set in overall better than very fine condition; accompanied by a certificate of authenticity issued by Detlev Niemann.

Footnote: A career soldier, Otto Freiherr von Brandenstein joined the German Army in 1885 and had risen to the rank of Oberstleutnant by the eve of the First World War. He served as a Staff Officer on the Western Front at the outbreak of the war, and was attached to VII. Armeekorps as Chief of Staff to General Eberhard von Claer. In 1918, von Brandenstein formed Detachment Brandenstein in Finland, fighting on behalf of the White forces in the Finnish Civil War, and helping to secure Finland from domination by the fledgling Soviet Russia. He ended the war as a Pour le Mérite recipient with the rank of Generalmajor. Retiring to private life in 1919, von Brandenstein was captured and murdered by advancing Soviet forces in Germany on 8 May 1945.