Germany, Imperial. A Mint 1914 Iron Cross I Class, c. 1940

(Eisernes Kreuz 1914 I. Klasse). Reinstituted 5 August 1914 by Kaiser Wilhelm II. (1914-1918 issue). Constructed of iron and silver, consisting of a vaulted 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 twelve o’clock arm with a royal crown, the reverse with a block hinge and banjo-style pinback meeting a round wire catch, unmarked, measuring 43.23 mm (w) x 43.40 mm (h), weighing 15.9 grams, an official veteran’s replacement piece produced c. 1940 in near mint condition.