Germany, Imperial. A 1914 Iron Cross I Class
(Eisernes Kreuz 1914 I. Klasse). Reinstituted 5 August 1914 by Kaiser Wilhelm II. (1914-1918 issue). Constructed of iron and silver, consisting of a vaulted 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 vertical pinback meeting a flat and rounded catch, stamped with a silver content number of “800”, measuring 42.94 mm (w) x 42.88 mm (h), weighing 15.2 grams, demonstrating moderate loss of finish to the core with faint surface oxidation, in better than very fine condition.