German 1914 Iron Cross 1st Class Prinzengroße

Take a journey through history with this incredible Iron Cross 1st Class Prinzengroße, presented in a spectacular presentation case. As the translation of Prinzengroße implies, these private purchase medals, including Iron Crosses, became popular among royalty and nobility during the Napoleonic wars with the introduction of the 1813 Iron Cross. Though not officially recognized, the Iron Cross 1st Class medal (of which only 218,000 were awarded) was often overlooked and sported by officers of World War I as a unique affectation.

Today, we have the esteemed privilege to offer a stunning 1914 Iron Cross 1st Class Prinzengroße from the well-known house of J. Godet & Sohn, packaged in a presentation case. “Prinzengroße”, a German term, can be translated to “Prince sized” – and indeed, it is a medal that was favored by royalty and nobility in times of Napoleonic wars and the introduction of the 1813 Iron Cross.

This particular Iron Cross is remarkable in that it is vaulted, not flat as was the award example. The obverse displays pristine paint, nearly 95%, with only minor imperfections on the high spots. Of three-piece design, the beading is clearly defined and the patina to the frame is rich and has remained untouched for decades. The reverse is hallmarked with .838 silver and bears the manufacturer hallmarking