Iron Cross 1'st Class 1914, 800 Silver

The order of the Iron Cross was founded by King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia, after the war of liberation from Napoleon in 1813. It was to be an award for gallantry conferred only in time of war. 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.

This is the 1914 pattern, die struck, three piece, Iron and alloy construction cross with a single piece iron core and a two piece silver frame’s. The cross is complete with original hinge, pin and catch assembly. The cross is marked 800, which is the silver content in the frames ((800/1000)). The cross is in good condition with aprox 95% of the black paint still intact to the core. The cross shows a nice age patina.

Very nice high quality cross!!