Germany, Imperial. A 1914 Iron Cross I Class, by KO

(Eisernes Kreuz 1914 I. Klasse). Reinstituted 5 August 1914 by Kaiser Wilhelm II. (1914-1918 issue). Constructed of blackened magnetic iron, 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 a reinstitution date of “1914”, the reverse with en elongated block hinge and vertical pinback meeting a round wire catch, maker marked “KO” for a widely-documented but as of yet unidentified manufacturer, measuring 42.90 mm (w) x 42.87 mm (h), weighing 14.4 grams, with minor loss of finish evident to the core, in near extremely fine condition.