Imperial 1st Class Iron Cross by W. Deumer

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Here we have a Rare Imperial Clamshell Screwback - Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse by Wilhelm Deumer of Lüdenscheid. The Imperial Iron Cross 1st Class was instituted on August 5, 1914 and was awarded to those who had received the 2nd Class Iron Cross and made significant sacrifice during the war. It is a multi-piece, die struck construction that has been soldered together. The single piece core is constructed out of an iron metal base that has been black enamel painted. The frame and back plate are constructed out of a nickel-silver base that has been silver washed. A final protectant lacquer was applied over the entire award. The obverse a pattée style cross that has a centrally placed embossed "W" (cypher for King Wilhelm II), below a Kings crown (top arm) and above “1914” (lower arm), which is on a black base and surrounded by a silvered ribbed/beaded row and a flat outlying border. The full back reverse features a centrally soldered on female screw piece and clamshell screw device. The male screw piece to the clamshell had broken off and was soldered back on. The paint is in wonderful condition remaining 95%+ intact and the frame/screw pieces have wonderful patina! The cross measures approximately 1 ¾ inches wide and tall. A desirable clamshell variation!