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

(Eisernes Kreuz 1914 I. Klasse mit Etui). Reinstituted 5 August 1914 by Kaiser Wilhelm II. (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, the latter flanked by the maker’s mark of Wagner & Sohn, Berlin, measuring 42.33 mm (w) x 42.22 mm (h), weighing 17.0 grams, accompanied by its original presentation case constructed of a light wooden frame with a faux dark brown leather exterior liner, the lid bearing an embossed and silvered Cross Pattée, the interior with a padded white satin lid liner and hinge, with a slotted dark navy blue velvet medal bed, closing with a metal spring catch with exterior stud release, unmarked, measuring 65 mm (w) x 65 mm (l) x 22 mm (h), the structure of the case has warped and the spring catch no longer functions, a striking and high-quality example in extremely fine condition.