Germany, Imperial. A Converted 1914 Iron Cross I Class, Field Modified

(Eisernes Kreuz 1914 I. Klasse). Reinstituted 5 August 1914. (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 three central oak leaves, the six o’clock arm with an initial institution date of “1813”, the twelve o’clock arm with initials “FW” topped by a royal crown, unmarked, measuring 42.94 mm (w) x 43.07 mm (h), weighing 14.3 grams, a vertical pinback has been added to the reverse of the cross post-manufacture and there is evidence than an integral loop formerly on the twelve o’clock arm has been removed, indicative that this cross was a II Class example converted into a I Class piece, in very fine condition.