WW1 (Imperial German Empire) - Iron Cross 1st Class (Convex)

Perhaps one of, if not the most recognizable medal in military history and certainly but maybe arguably, of German military history, the Iron Cross was awarded for acts of heroism, bravery, and exemplary leadership in the face of an enemy during war time...a combat medal.

This particular medal is Convex (curved) which makes it more fitting for wear as it would have been worn on the uniform breast (left side).

Description:
Constructed of iron & silver, a cross pattée with a blackened magnetic core contained in a ribbed silver frame.

Obverse:
A "W" centered & the date 1914 at the lower arm & royal crown at the upper arm.

Reverse:
Affixed with a barrel hinge & vertical pin-back intersecting a round wire catch.

Size - Width: 44 mm/1.7” (approximate).

History:
First introduced in March 1813 by then King of Prussia, Frederick William III for heroic actions in combat engagements during the War of Liberation, the invasion to break Napoleon’s control over Europe and the German Federal states. It was reintroduced in the summer of 1870 during the French declaration of war against Prussia, a war which extended into May 1871. It was again re-introduced in the summer of 1914 at the start of WWI by German Monarch King William II and finally in 1939, the day Germany invaded Poland, igniting WWII.

On each occasion of war, the year of the medal’s introduction (1813) or reintroduction (1870, 1914, 1939), is stamped on the obverse lower descending arm. Additionally, pre-WWII versions were additionally embossed at the center in low relief, on the obverse with either a “FW” (representing King Frederick William III) on the 1813 version, a “W” (representing the respective Kings William I and William II) on the 1870 and 1914 versions, with a crown at the upper ascending arm.

The reverse was affixed with a barrel hinge & vertical pin-back intersecting a round wire catch.

Note: Multiple in stock...Shipped item may not be exactly as appears in the photos - may contain slight variation in color/standard age wear.
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WW1 (Imperial German Empire)
Iron Cross 1st Class (Convex Design)

$295.00 (Firm) - *Authentic*

Awarded for acts of heroism, bravery,
& exemplary leadership in the face of
an enemy during war time.
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