Germany, Imperial. A 1914 Iron Cross II and I Class Set, with Luxury Case

(Eiserne Kreuze 1914 im Schmucketui). Reinstituted 5 August 1914. (1914-1918 issue). A superb 1914 Iron Cross presentation set, consisting of:

1. A II Class award, constructed of iron and silver, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, 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 three central oak leaves, the six o’clock arm with an initial institution date of “1813”, the twelve o’clock arm with initials “FW” topped by a royal crown, the suspension loop stamped with a silver content number of “800”, measuring 43.91 mm (w) x 47.51 mm (h), weighing 18.2 grams, demonstrating careful polishing to the frame, in extremely fine condition.

2. A I Class award, constructed of iron and silver, consisting of a gently 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 rounded pinback meeting a round wire catch, the pinback maker marked with the classic “square punch” logo of Carl Dillenius, Pforzheim, measuring 42.52 mm (w) x 42.51 mm (h), demonstrating a small depression to the centre of the obverse six o’clock frame, a scarce example demonstrating Dillenius’ noted quality, in extremely fine condition.

3. A privately-purchased luxury case, constructed of a rigid card stock frame with a faux maroon leather exterior liner, the interior with a red satin lid liner featuring a compartment to contain the accompanying ribbon for the II Class award, maker marked “OHREN & GOLDWAREN EN GROS - EXPORT, HANS LEGI, UHRMACHER, NÜRNBERG, ECKE FARBERSTR. & KOHLENGASSE, TELEFON N. 6562”, with a maroon velvet medal bed featuring depressions for both awards, closing with a functional metal spring catch with exterior stud release, measuring 120 mm (w) x 105 mm (l) x 25 mm (h), demonstrating minor material fatigue, a super accompaniment demonstrating the recipient’s pride of service, in near extremely fine condition.