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 with an unmagnetic brass core. Early unmarked 'Schinkel' form cross made by the company of 'Wilhelm Deumer' from Lüdenscheid. The pin and catch are in good functional condition. The cross is nicely vaulted (gewölbt). Nice original World War 1 Iron Cross 1st Class!