1957 Version – Imperial 1st Class Iron Cross

German WWII > Awards and Medals > Iron Cross Series > 1st Class Iron Cross

A post WWII Federal Republic of Germany; Imperial Iron Cross. Production of these awards ceased in 1986. 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 alloy metal base that has been black enamel painted. The frame and back plate are constructed out of an 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 the typical 57 pin, hinge and catch assembly. All of the components continue to work well. The paint looks great and it has nice patina to the frame. The cross measures 1 5/8 inches wide and tall.