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 and a silver frame, the cross is showing a '925' silver hallmark to the reverse. This cross is having a typical core which can be attributed to production by the company of 'Julius Lemor' (JAL) from Breslau, one of the rarest makers of WW1 Iron Crosses missing in most collections. The pin and catch are in good functional condition. The cross is nicely vaulted (gewölbt). Extremely rare original cross in very good condition!