WW1 Iron Cross 1st Class - screw-back
World war 1 Iron Cross first class (Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse) that comes on its original screw-back disc (Schraubscheibe). 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 which regrettably is slightly rusted, see photos. The cross comes on its original and naturally functional screw-back set-up, this is an unusual variant with two screwposts and back-plate. The cross is not visible maker marked. Nice and scarce original example in used condition!
