Germany, Imperial. A 1914 Iron Cross I Class, Private Purchase Example, with Case

 (Eisernes Kreuz 1914 I. Klasse mit Etui). Reinstituted 5 August 1914 by Kaiser Wilhelm II. (1914-1918 issue). Constructed of iron and silver, consisting of a vaulted 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 barrel hinge and vertical pinback meeting a round wire catch, stamped with a silver content number of “800”, measuring 42.42 mm (w) x 42.42 mm (h), weighing 14.9 grams, accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of a pressed card stock frame with a faux black leather exterior liner, the lid bearing a silvered depiction of the award, the interior with a white satin lid liner and slotted blue velvet medal bed, closing with a functional metal spring catch with exterior stud release, unmarked, measuring 65 mm (w) x 65 mm (l) x 24 mm (h), demonstrating minor material fatigue to the case a privately-purchased example in extremely fine condition.