Description
Germany – Iron Cross – 1st Class – 1914 – Identified – with Presentation case and transport box
We are most pleased to offer you the trio of the 1914 Iron Cross 1st Class family. Beginning with the Iron Cross it is of the flat or non-vaulted variety which is correct for an issue 1st Class Iron Cross. I would rate the paint at about 90%. This cross was clearly worn to express the pride of the wearer. This was not stuck in a drawer to gather dust. There is “KO” hallmarking on the reverse, near the bottom of the pin. The pin is a little loose. The cross is magnetic.
Turning to the presentation case it is leatherette. It has a stylized gold toned Iron Cross on the top of the lid. Inside we have a white silk upper lid and a purple velvet bottom which has a recessed area for the pin to be inserted. The cross fits snugly into the case and the case closes firmly when closed.
The final item is the transmittal carton. It is a brown cardboard.
There is a white label which states:
Eisernes Kreuz
1. Klasse.
Nur von dem Beliehenen zu offen (Only to be opened by the recipient)
There is a red seal which secured the box and prevented it to be opened only by the correct recipient. Now we come to the exciting part of this ensemble. On the revere of the carton, we see written in pencil the name of the recipient and when he received his award. This information is as follows:
* Gld. Last name is Wessing.
5.Bayern (I cannot make out the exact name of the unit.)
11.1.1915.
So this is a very early war presentation and this fellow must have done something quite important to merit this award.
In conclusion this is a marvelous ensemble and the case and carton are particularly impressive and has the benefit of being identified to the recipient.
There is an opportunity to do some research on this.
This is a consignment item.