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

(Eisernes Kreuz 1914 I. Klasse mit Etui). 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 binge and vertical pinback meeting a round wire catch, maker marked “KO” for an unidentified manufacturer (possibly the firms of Klein & Quenzer or Jakob Kling), measuring 42.96 mm (w) x 43.01 mm (h), weighing 16.7 grams, accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of a card stock frame with a faux black leather exterior, the lid bearing a silver embossed Cross Pattée, the interior with satin lid liner and intact hinge cover, with a slotted blue velvet medal bed, the exterior with a metal stud release connecting to a non-functional spring catch, measuring 65 mm (w) x 65 mm (l) x 20 mm (h), minor oxidation is evident to the core of the cross, in addition to material fatigue to the case which includes the loss of its hinge, in overall better than very fine condition.