World War 1 Iron Cross 1st Class (Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse). The iron cross was re-instituted by King Wilhelm II on 5 August 1914 for award during World War I. 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 with an iron core and a silver frame, the cross is nicely vaulted (gewölbt). The pin and catch are in perfect functional condition. The cross is nicely maker marked on the pin by the famous company 'Godet-Berlin'. The cross is having two additional soldered on hooks on the back (Kürass Variant), see photos. This piece was an expensive private purchased example, extremely rare variant WW1 Iron Cross 1st Class!