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

(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 an elongated barrel hinge and vertical pinback meeting a round wire catch, maker marked “KO” for a widely documented but unidentified manufacturer, measuring 43.09 mm (w) x 43.05 mm (h), weighing 16.4 grams, accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of a light wooden frame with a faux black leather exterior liner, the lid bearing an embossed and silvered Cross Pattée, the interior with a white rayon lid liner and intact hinge cover, with a slotted dark purple velvet medal bed, closing with a functional spring catch with exterior stud release, unmarked, measuring 62 mm (w) x 62 mm (l) x 20 mm (h), the cross demonstrates moderate loss of finish to the core, in overall near extremely fine condition.