World War 1 Iron Cross 1st Class (Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse). Re-instituted by King Wilhelm II on 5 August 1914 for award during WWI. Both the Iron Cross 1st Class and the Iron Cross 2nd Class were awarded without regard to rank. The second class medal was for award to personnel who performed a single act of bravery in combat. One had to already possess the 2nd Class in order to receive the 1st Class. The cross has a three piece construction and a magnetic core. This is a WW2 period produced cross which is maker marked with number 'L/10' indicating production by the company of 'Deschler & Sohn' from München. The cross is showing a nice darkened age patina typical for this manufacturer. The cross is having a functional pin and catch. Rare and hard to find original cross in very good condition!