World war 1 Iron Cross first 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 has a magnetic iron core. The cross is not visible maker marked, the frame is made of silver. This is a rare variant without pin and catch, instead it's having four soldered on loops on the back, see photos. Extremely rare variant WW1 Iron Cross 1st Class in very good condition!