Germany, Imperial. A 1914 Iron Cross I Class, with Case

(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 “194”, the twelve o’clock arm with a royal crown, the reverse with a barrel hinge and tapering vertical pinback meeting a round wire catch, unmarked, measuring 42.53 mm (w) x 42.48 mm (h), weighing 18.8 grams, accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of a wooden frame with a faux dark purple leather exterior liner, the lid bearing an embossed and silvered Cross Pattée, the interior with a white satin lid liner and intact hinge cover, with a slotted dark purple satin medal bed, closing with a metal spring catch, minor denting and loss of finish is evident to the corners of the frame and core, respectively, while the case demonstrates material fatigue and the loss of its hinge, in overall better than very fine condition.