Germany, Imperial. A Grand Cross Breast Star to the 1914 Iron Cross, Exhibition Example by Souval, c.1955

(Bruststern zum Großkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, Museumsstück). Constructed of gilded bronze with neusilber and iron, consisting of an eight-pointed radiant star, the obverse bearing a central 1914 Iron Cross consisting of a Cross Pattée with a blackened magnetic iron core within a ribbed silver frame, 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 barrel hinge and vertical pinback meeting a flattened catch, unmarked but with the physical characteristics of an exhibition piece produced by the firm of Rudolf Souval, Vienna, circa 1955, measuring 90.80 mm (w) x 90.30 mm (h), weighing 77.2 grams, with minor oxidation and verdigris visible to the bronze base, a high-quality example in near extremely fine condition.