An Unusual Cased Iron Cross 1914 First Class; Silver Counter Plated Version

An unusual Iron Cross 1914 First Class “Eisernes Kreuz 1914 1. Klasse”; silver cross pattée of multi-piece construction with a blackened iron core (magnetic) within a white metal ribbed border; the obverse with a raised central “W”, with the re-institution date “1914” in raised numbering on the lower arm, and the royal crown on the upper arm; the reverse marked “800”, as well as “M. v. R.”, and with two threaded studs, one on the reverse of the upper arm, and the other on the reverse of the lower arm of the cross; accompanied by a large zink counter plate drilled with multiple holes, and two threaded buttons to tighten to the other side of the plate to fasten the cross securely to the uniform; measuring 42.29 mm x 42.34 mm; weighing 23.5 grams. Accompanied by a Jeweller’s case; constructed of heavy pressed paper, with a brown faux leather (leatherette) exterior; the exterior of the lid embossed with an Iron Cross 1914 First Class; lined interior lid; lined medal bed; functional spring catch with stud release; intact interior fabric hinge cover; functional exterior metal hinge; measuring 85 mm x 85 mm; the black finish on the cross mostly worn off from period wear, but otherwise very well preserved; in overall near extremely fine condition. A unique example! Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity by Detlev Niemann. (C: 76)