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 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 reverse with a wide block hinge and tapering vertical pinback meeting a round wire catch, the six o’clock arm bearing a silver content mark of “800” just above the catch, measuring 43.77 mm (w) x 43.46 mm (h), weighing 16.9 grams, accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of a light wooden frame with a faux black leather exterior liner, the lid bearing a silvered Cross Pattée, the interior with a padded white rayon lid liner and slotted dark blue velvet medal bed, closing with a functional metal spring catch with exterior stud release, unmarked, measuring 65 mm (w) x 65 mm (l) x 20 mm (h), the cross demonstrates a consistent patina throughout the frame with slight loss of finish to the core, with additional minor material fatigue visible to the case, a superb privately-purchased example in overall near extremely fine condition.