Germany, Imperial. A 1914 Iron Cross I Class, with Case, by Wagner & Sohn

(Eisernes Kreuz 1939 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 a barrel hinge and tapering vertical pinback meeting a round wire catch, maker marked “WS” for Wagner & Sohn, Berlin, measuring 42.16 mm (w) x 42.07 mm (h), weighing 17.9 grams, accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of a card stock frame with a faux dark purple leather exterior, the lid bearing a silver embossed Cross Pattée, the interior with a white satin lid liner and royal blue velvet medal bed, opening with a functional metal spring catch with exterior stud release and a functional metal hinge, unmarked, measuring 64 mm (w) x 64 mm (l) x 20 mm (h), with some material fatigue evident to the case, in overall near extremely fine condition.