Germany, Imperial. A 1914 Iron Cross I Class, Screwback Version

(Eisernes Kreuz 1914 I. Klasse). Reinstituted 5 August 1914 by Kaiser Wilhelm II. (1914-1918). 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 two threaded lugs retaining a large zink alloy backplate and one of two nuts, stamped with a central silver content number of “800”, otherwise unmarked, measuring 42.42 mm (w) x 42.06 mm (h), weighing 14.6 grams, in addition to the missing nut the core demonstrates moderate loss of finish with consequent surface oxidation, some tarnishing is visible to the frame, and age-appropriate oxidation is evident to the backplate, a privately-purchased example in very fine condition.