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. Rare one-piece construction zinc-type cross. The cross is not visible maker marked but can be attributed to production by the company of 'Petz & Lorenz' from Unterreichenbach. The pin and catch are in perfect functional condition, this is the type with the short pin. Rare original WW1 Iron Cross 1st Class in good used condition!