Germany, Imperial. A 1914 Iron Cross I Class, by C.F. Zimmermann, c. 1940

(Eisernes Kreuz 1914 I. Klasse). 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 vertical pinback meeting a flat wire catch, maker marked with LDO code “L/52” for C.F. Zimmermann, Pforzheim, measuring 41.81 mm (w) x 42.17 mm (h), weighing 12.4 grams, minor loss of finish is visible to high-contact points on the core and the frame demonstrating some bending near the corners of the arms consistent with a post-manufacture attempt to vault the cross, a veteran’s replacement piece produced c. 1940 in very fine condition.