Original Item: Only One Available. Established by Frederick William in 1813 for gallantry in action, the 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.

The basic design of the WW1 crosses is a central cross patee struck from iron and mounted in a silver frame which has a raised crenulated decorative border. The obverse of the cross bears the date 1914 under a crowned W monogram. Second class crosses would have a ring at the top where a ring was attached, and had more markings on the back. The first class award, however, was meant to attach directly to the front of the uniform, and this example has a double barrel hinge, a soldered catch, and a securing pin. This pin is quite long, extending past the end of the cross. The lower leg of the cross is stamped KO, which signifies it was made by Königliches Münzamt Orden (the Royal Mint), in Berlin.

Please note the edge seam for authentication, which is not present on reproductions. Iron crosses were commonly constructed from an iron core sandwiched in a surrounding two part silver frame, normally the seam of these two silver parts is visible around the edge of the cross as is seen on this fine example. This example is a "flat' style Iron Cross. Others could be quite "Vaulted" in shape.

The the leatherette case of this 1st Class Iron Cross is in very good condition: even the corners are totally sound. There is a image of the medal embossed in the silver on the lid, and the steel push button catch still works correctly. The interior lid is lined with white ribbon satin and has an impression of the medal in the fabric. The cloth hinge shows almost no wear. The lower case is lined in purple velvet and has a slot to accommodate the medal pin.

This is a fantastic chance to own a solid period example of the most iconic of all Imperial German awards.