Germany, Imperial. A 1914 Iron Cross I Class, with Case, by B.H. Mayer

(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 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 block hinge and banjo-style pinback meeting a flat wire catch, the pinback maker marked with Präsidialkanzlei code “26” for B.H. Mayer, Pforzheim, measuring 44.34 mm (w) x 44.45 mm (h), weighing 15.8 grams, accompanied by its original presentation case, constructed of a pressed card stock frame with a faux black leather exterior liner, the lid bearing a silvered Cross Pattée, the interior with a white rayon lid liner and intact hinge cover, with a slotted beige felt medal bed, closing with a metal spring catch with exterior stud release, unmarked, measuring 70 mm (w) x 70 mm (l) x 20 mm (h), the cross demonstrates evidence of refurbishment of the core and the case’s catch no longer functions, a Third Reich-period example manufactured for recipient purchase in near extremely fine condition.