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.vThe cross is '800' silver marked and was most likely produced by the company of 'Carl Dillenius' from Pforzheim. The cross comes on a rarely seen large screw-back disc, hold in place by two screws with nuts. Large screwplated crosses of this quality were favorites of World War 1 Flying Aces like Oswald Boelcke, who preferred their robust construction. The cross comes in an original looking case specially inteded for this screwback cross. I could not find any similar case or reference on these cases, it looks all correct and was found together. The private purchase type case has an grained black coloured simulated leather outside and is in overall very good condition. Stunning and desirable rare original cased screw-back WW1 Iron Cross 1st Class!