**SOLD**

Offered is an original 'screwback' German First World War Iron Cross 1st Class. 42 mm wide 'convex' white metal cross pattée with a blackened 'pedbbled' cross pattée (some service wear to face) within a hatched border imposed; the face with a central ‘W’ (for Wilhelm), a crown above, the date ‘1914’ below; the reverse with scalloped washer/disc and ornate fastening disc, silver hallmarked '800' and star marked. The screw back discs screw nicely into the screw threaded post. Nice convex shape, being a jeweller made piece, generally designed to sit better on the uniform and popular with officer's. The cross is a good original piece, with 100 year old patina to face.

These were a favourite souvenir of allied soldier's to trade or bring home from the First World War.  The Iron Cross was instituted on 10 March 1813 by King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia during the War of Liberation against the Napoleonic French forces. It was reinstated in 1870-1871 for the Franco-Prussian War and again in 1914 for World War I. It is awarded for bravery. In spite of its iconic image and fame, it has always been made of modest materials and issued in relatively large numbers. It was designed by the neo-classical architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel and reflects the cross of the Teutonic Knights in the late Middle Ages which was also the emblem of Frederick the Great.