Original Item: One of a Kind. This is a very nice Imperial German WWI Textured steel Cigarette case, with a wonderful mini Iron Cross 1914 device attached to the lid. There are no maker markings that we can see, but it definitely features high quality German construction. It has a locking latch on the lid, and the gold interior has the original cigarette retaining elastic still present and in great shape.

The case itself measures approximately 5⅛ x 3⅞ x ⅝”, and the latch and hinge are fully functional. It has a lovely worn look on the exterior and interior.

A wonderful piece of Imperial German WWI Militaria!

There is no more iconic German military award than the Iron Cross. Established by Frederick William in 1813 for gallantry in action, the Eisernes Kreuz (EK) decoration was revived several times for later conflicts. The bulk of the issues are divided into 1st and 2nd class versions, but a rare and superior 'Grand Cross' was also awarded for successful field commanders. During WW1 the lower decoration was freely awarded with 5½ million second class types issued. Originally, the Iron Cross was an award of the Kingdom of Prussia, however given Prussia's pre-eminent place in the German Empire formed in 1871, it became an award for all of Germany.