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 nicely maker marked with the logo from 'AWS' indicating production by the company of 'Albert Werner & Sohne' from Berlin. The pin and catch are in perfect functional condition, the cross is having the thin needle, typical for this manufacturer. Rare original WW1 Iron Cross 1st Class in good condition!