Germany, Imperial. A 1914 Iron Cross I Class, with Case, by Carl Dillenius

(Eisernes Kreuz 1914 I. Klasse mit Etui). Reinstituted 5 August 1914. (1914-1918 issue). 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 an elongated block hinge and wide vertical pinback meeting a round wire catch, maker marked with the logo of Carl Dillenius, Pforzheim, above a silver content mark of “800”, measuring 42.63 mm (w) x 42.93 mm (h), weighing 18.3 grams, accompanied by its original presentation case, constructed of a rigid card stock frame with a faux black leather exterior liner, the lid bearing a silvered Cross Pattée, the interior with a white rayon lid liner and intact hinge cover, with a slotted blue velvet medal bed, closing with a functional metal spring catch with exterior stud release, unmarked, measuring 62 mm (w) x 64 mm (l) x 20 mm (h), demonstrating minor material fatigue to the case while superior-quality cross remains in an extremely fine condition.