Germany, Imperial. A 1914 Iron Cross, I Class with Case, by Carl Dillenius

(Eisernes Kreuz 1914 I. Klasse mit Etui). 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 bearing 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 an elongated block hinge and vertical pinback meeting a flat wire catch, maker marked “CD” for Carl Dillenius, Pforzheim, with a silver content number of “800”, measuring 43.10 mm (w) x 43.12 mm (h), weighing 19.2 grams, accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of heavy card stock with a faux dark purple leather exterior liner, the interior with a padded white satin lid liner and intact hinge cover, with a slotted blue velvet medal bed, opening with a functional spring catch with exterior stud release and a functional metal hinge, unmarked, measuring 66 mm (w) x 66 mm (l) x 25 mm (h), with some loss of finish evident to the core of the cross and significant material fatigue to the case, in overall better than very fine condition.