German WWI Cased 1914 Iron Cross 2nd Class-It is very scarce to find these cased. This is an excellent offering. The black finish on the iron core remains mostly intact on both the obverse and the reverse. The silver on the frame is nicely toned and intact. The ring is marked “KO”. The black case is in very good condition. The hinge at the back has become unglued, so it is being held together by the inside off white flocking, and off-white velvet base. The locking mechanism works perfectly. There is an original piece of correct ribbon tucked under the top of the case with two elastic holders. There is also a portion of original price tab still affixed to the bottom of the case. This is a great offering.
History: On March 10th, 1813, Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm III established the Iron Cross as a temporary award for bestowal during times of war. Originally the Iron Cross was introduced in three grades with a Grand Cross intended for award to Senior Commanders for successfully leading troops in combat and the First and Second classes for award to all ranks for bravery or merit in action. The Iron Crosses were reinstituted by King Wilhelm I on July 19th, 1870, for award during the Franco-Prussian War and again on August 5th, 1914, by King Wilhelm II for award during WWI. On September 1st, 1939. Hitler once more reinstituted the Iron Cross series of awards in the First and Second Classes and established the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross. The first-class medal was for award to personnel who performed three to five acts of bravery in combat and had already been awarded the Iron Cross second class.