Germany, Imperial. A 1914 Iron Cross I Class, by Paul Meybauer

(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 a central threaded lug retaining a backplate in the shape of a Cross Pattée, in turn secured in place with a washer, the three o’clock arm of the cross stamped with a silver content number of “900”, the washer stamped with an additional silver content number of “900”, in addition to a mark of “PM” and DRGM number of “653146”, both indicating manufacture by Paul Meybauer, Berlin, measuring 42.60 mm (w) x 42.70 mm (h), weighing 27.6 (inclusive of all hardware), with some loosening of the reverse fixtures and moderate oxidation of the core evident, in very fine condition.