Germany, Imperial. A 1914 Iron Cross I Class, by Carl Dillenius
(Eisernes Kreuz 1914 I. Klasse). Reinstituted 5 August 1914. (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 block hinge and flattened vertical pinback meeting a flattened catch, maker marked “C.D.” for the firm of Carl Dillenius, Pforzheim, above a silver content number of “800”, measuring 42.98 mm (w) x 43.05 mm (h), weighing 18.3 grams, with minor oxidation evident to the core and some loss of finish visible to the frame, in overall better than very fine condition.