Germany, Imperial. A 1914 Iron Cross I Class
(Eisernes Kreuz 1914 I. Klasse). Reinstituted 5 August 1914 by Kaiser Wilhelm II. (1914-1918 issue). Constructed of iron and silver, consisting of a convex 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 flattened vertical pinback meeting a round wire catch, marked with a silver content number of “930”, measuring 42.22 mm (w) x 42.22 mm (h), weighing 16.7 grams, the core demonstrating slight loss of finish and oxidation, a high-quality example in near extremely fine condition.