Germany, Imperial. A 1914 Iron Cross I Class, by KO, with Veterans Association Cross in Silver

(Eisernes Kreuz 1914 I. Klasse mit Kriegerbund Abzeichen in Silber). Reinstituted 5 August 1914 by Kaiser Wilhelm II. (1914-1918 issue). 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 a reinstitution date of “1914”, the twelve o’clock arm with a royal crown, the reverse with a block hinge and vertical pinback meeting a rounded catch, the six o’clock arm maker marked “KO” for a widely-documented by unidentified manufacturer, measuring 43.17 mm (h) x 43.32 mm (h), weighing 16.3 grams, demonstrating moderate loss of finish to the core, in better than very fine condition; accompanied by a veterans association cross, constructed of silver, consisting of a Cross Pattée, the obverse with ribbed arms, bearing a central raised profile of a Heer soldier wearing a Stahlhelm, the arms bearing raised initials “ST. C K B” for a Kriegerbund (Warrior Association) based in an unconfirmed town, with a founding date of “1873”, the reverse with a barrel hinge and horizontal pinback meeting a round wire catch, stamped with a silver content number of “800” and unidentified silver hallmarks, measuring 42.62 mm (w) x 42.40 mm (h), weighing 14.2 grams, an unusual high-quality silver example in extremely fine condition.