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

(Eiserne Kreuz 1914 - II. und I. Klasse). A pair of 1914 Iron Crosses, including:

1. A II 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 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 ring stamped with an illegible maker’s mark, measuring 43.70 mm (w) x 47.46 mm (h), weighing 19.3 grams (inclusive of ribbon and pin), in extremely 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 restitution date of “1914”, the twelve o’clock arm with a royal crown, the reverse with an elongated block hinge and tapering vertical pinback meeting a round wire catch, the reverse of the pinback maker marked “J” for an unidentified manufacturer, measuring 42.67 mm (w) x 42.53 mm (h), weighing 17.0 grams, demonstrating some surface oxidation to the core, in very fine condition.