Germany, Imperial. A Pair of 1914 Iron Crosses, II and I Class

(Eiserne Kreuze 1914). A pair of 1914 Iron Crosses, including:

1. A II Class award, of one-piece magnetic metal construction, on loop for suspension from a Third Reich-period ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée with a blackened core within a ribbed and silvered 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, unmarked, measuring 43.30 mm (w) x 48.49 mm (h), weighing 13.5 grams, demonstrating minor loss of paint throughout the core, an unusual one-piece variant in very fine condition.

2. A I Class award, 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 wide barrel hinge and vertical pinback meeting a round wire catch which emanates from an octagonal plate, unmarked, measuring 43.23 mm (w) x 43.20 mm (h), weighing 16.7 grams, demonstrating minor bubbling and loss of paint throughout the core, in addition to partial dislodgement of the hinge pin, in very fine condition.