Germany, Empire. A I. Class Iron Cross 1914

(Eisernes Kreuz 1914 I. Klasse). Instituted on 5.10.1914 by Kaiser Wilhelm II. (Issued 1914-1918).A cross pattée of multi-piece construction with a blackened iron core (magnetic) within a 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 plain, with a vertical pinback, a barrel hinge, and a round wire catch, marked “K.O” for “Königliches Münzamt-Orden), measuring 43.07 mm (w) x 43.16 mm (h), in overall very fine condition.