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

(Eisernes Kreuz 1914). A pair of 1914 Iron Crosses, including:

1. A II Class award, constructed of iron and silver, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon affixed to a 45 mm-long bronze bar with a horizontal pinback, 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 maker marked “K.A.G.” for a widely-documented but unidentified manufacturer, measuring 43.21 mm (w) x 47.79 mm (h), weighing 17.2 grams, demonstrating a consistent patina throughout, in near 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 reinstitution date of “1914”, the twelve o’clock arm with a royal crown, the reverse with a bloc hinge and tapering vertical pinback meeting a round wire catch, unmarked, measuring 43.25 mm (w) x 43.21 mm (h), weighing 16.7 grams, demonstrating repair of replacement of the catch in addition to some loss of finish to the core, in very fine condition.