1914 Iron Cross 1st Class

1914 Iron Cross 1st Class (Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse), screw-back variant, with 800 silver mark.

History

The Iron Cross was first instituted in 1813 by King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia during the Wars of Liberation against Napoleon. It was designed by Karl Friedrich Schinkel as a black cross pattée (with flared arms) edged in silver, symbolizing Prussian virtues of duty and sacrifice; the iron core referenced the material of the time (citizens even donated jewelry for the war effort).

It was renewed in 1870 for the Franco-Prussian War and again on 5 August 1914 by Kaiser Wilhelm II at the start of World War I. The 1914 version kept the classic design: blackened iron core in a silver frame with a beaded/ribbed border, royal crown on the upper arm, central “W” (for Wilhelm), and “1914” on the lower arm. The reverse of the 1st Class is typically plain (unlike the 2nd Class, which often shows the 1813 date, “FW,” crown, and oak leaves).

Grades: 2nd Class (worn from a black-and-white ribbon; ~5.2 million awarded), 1st Class (pin- or screw-back breast badge; ~218,000 awarded), and the rare Grand Cross (only a handful issued, e.g., to Hindenburg).

The 1st Class was awarded for repeated or exceptional bravery/leadership after the 2nd Class. It was open to all ranks.

Production used a three-piece construction (iron core + silver frame). Early examples used better silver; wartime shortages led to plated or alloy frames. Screw-back (Schraubscheibe) versions with a threaded post and locking disc were popular, especially as higher-quality private-purchase pieces bought by officers. The “800” mark indicates 800/1000 silver fineness (common German hallmark). Some also show maker marks, moon/crown silver hallmarks, or stars on the disc.

This example displays the classic 1914 1st Class screw-back: vaulted/slightly convex form, beaded edge, clear crown/W/1914, plain reverse with central screw post, and matching locking disc marked “800” with stars.