Original WWI German Cased IRON CROSS 1ST CLASS, 1914. (Eisernes Kreuz I Klasse) Certified

Original WWI German Cased IRON CROSS 1ST CLASS, 1914. (Eisernes Kreuz I Klasse) Certified. The order of the Iron Cross was founded by King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia, after the “Freidenskrieg,” or war of liberation from Napoleon, in 1813. It was to be an award for gallantry conferred only in time of war, and open to all soldiers, regardless of rank or social status. The Iron Cross was re-instituted at the commencement of the Franco-Prussian War in 1870, the First World War in 1914, and the Second World War in 1939. In each of the three latter cases, the specific re-institution date may be seen to the lower obverse arm. 1914 pattern, die struck, three piece, iron and alloy construction Pattée style cross with a single piece iron core and a two piece silver alloy frame. The obverse of the cross features an embossed, central, “W” cypher for King Wilhelm II, the re-institution date, “1914”, to the bottom arm and a King’s crown to the top arm. All three emblems are in nice high relief. Complete with original hinge, pin and catch assembly. comes house in a Wood and pressed cardboard construction issue case with a simulated black grained leather covering a subtly rounded top lid and subtly rounded corners. The top of the case has an impressed, silvered outline of an Iron Cross to the center. The fold back top lid has a magnetic, staggered, bar hinge to the reverse and a , closure button to the obverse. Both the hinge and the closure button still function. Interior components are complete. overall good condition with minor storage wear to the box loss to the inside top (see photos) and medal also some slight loss to the black enamel of the medal. 100% Guaranteed to be authentic, Gettysburg Museum Certified (COA) provided. Cased examples are scarce! Don’t miss this!