Germany, Imperial. A 1914 Iron Cross I Class

(Eisernes Kreuz 1914 I. Klasse). 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 bearing 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 tapering vertical pinback meeting a round wire catch, stamped with a silver content number of “950”, measuring 42.46 mm (w) x 42.56 mm (h), weighing 18.4 grams, demonstrating minor loss of finish to the core at high-contact points which provide a striking contrast to the black base, a high-quality and privately purchased example in extremely fine condition.