1914 Iron Cross 1st Class – "KO" Marked (Royal Mint, Berlin)

Imperial German 1914 Iron Cross 1st Class – Hallmarked "KO" – Solid Silver Frame

An elite, hallmarked example of the Great War’s premier gallantry award. Struck by the Royal Mint in Berlin, this "KO" marked Iron Cross 1st Class features a solid silver frame and a magnetic iron core. It is the "gold standard" for collectors seeking a textbook, government-contracted piece with a known and prestigious pedigree.

The Iron Cross 1st Class (EK1) was a much rarer award than the 2nd Class, requiring a soldier to have already performed an act of bravery to earn the EK2, followed by a subsequent act of significant valor for the EK1. The "KO" marking is one of the most respected in the hobby, signifying the Königliches Münzamt Berlin. These were the standard-issue pieces provided by the state to be pinned directly onto the recipient's tunic.

• Construction: Classic three-piece construction. A sand-cast, magnetic blackened iron core is captured within a two-part solid silver frame.
• Obverse: Features the Imperial Crown, the "W" cypher, and the "1914" date. The "beading" on the frame is sharp and well-defined.
• Reverse: The reverse is flat and silver-toned. It features a heavy vertical needle-pin with a functional hinge and C-hook catch.
• Hallmarks: * "KO" Stamped: Located on the reverse, typically under the catch or on the pin.
• Silver Mark: A small "800" or "900" stamp, indicating the silver content of the frame.
• Core: The core is magnetic, showing the correct "grainy" texture of period iron.

The cross is in superb, uncleaned condition. The silver frame has a heavy, dark "rainbow" patina that only develops over decades—highly prized by "Der Rittmeister" collectors as it proves the piece has not been polished. The iron core retains 95%+ of its original black finish with no significant "spidering" or oxidation. The pin and catch are fully functional and show no signs of repair.