German WWI Iron Cross 1914 First Class-This is a very special offering. This iron cross is dedicated to a D. Lau in the IR9 7th Kompany on the reverse. This is a very good, uncleaned example. It has a high content of silver that is nicely toned. There is some very slight lifting to the black finish of the core. Please be sure to look closely at the photos. This is very nicely marked KO for maker Königliches Münzamt Orden in Berlin. Light wear only. A special award.
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.