World War 1 Iron Cross First Class (Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse), complete with its original etui. 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 nicely maker marked with 'KO' indicating production by the 'Königliches Münzamt Orden' from Berlin. The pin and catch are in functional condition. The cross is showing some minor surface rust to the iron core. The cross comes in its original early wartime type case as found together. The case has an black coloured outside with an embossed silver Iron Cross on the lid. The box is showing some minor damage and traces of usage, see photos. This set originates from a house-cleaning in Germany and was found last week. Nice original cased WW1 Iron Cross 1st Class!