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 with an iron core, this is a rare type cross with the so-called pillowback (Waffelmuster). The cross is not visible maker marked but a typical cross attributed to 'KMST' indicating production by the 'Königlichen Münze' from Stuttgart. The cross is complete with the rarely seen slide closure system on the back, typical for this manufacturer. Rare original WW1 Iron Cross 1st Class in good used condition!