Germany, Imperial. A Pair of First World War Combat Awards

(Auszeichnungen). A pair of First World War combat awards, including:

1. A 1914 Iron Cross I Class, constructed of brass and silver, consisting of a Cross Pattée with a blackened brass 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 crimped hinge and tapering vertical pinback meeting a round wire catch, unmarked but demonstrating the characteristics of manufacture by Wilhelm Deumer, Lüdenscheid, measuring 43.43 mm (w) x 43.81 mm (h), weighing 15.4 grams, demonstrating some separating to the seams of the frame at the three and nine o’clock arms with additional slight bending (consistent with possible attempts by the recipient to vault the cross), as well as patination of the frame and minor loss of finish to the core, in very fine condition.

2. A Gold Grade Wound Badge, constructed of gilded brass, the obverse consisting of an oval laurel leaf wreath, joined together at the bottom by ribbon, with a central raised Stahlhelm overlaying a pair of crossed swords on a hollow void, the reverse with a barrel hinge and vertical pinback meeting a flat wire catch, unmarked, measuring 38.00 mm (w) x 42.55 mm (h), weighing 8.6 grams, demonstrating some loss of gilt finish, in extremely fine condition.