{"product_id":"german-iron-cross-1st-class-1914-screwback-ek1","title":"German Iron Cross 1st Class 1914 Screwback EK1","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is an original Imperial German Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse 1914 (Iron Cross 1st Class 1914), commonly abbreviated EK1, in a distinctly vaulted private-purchase screwback configuration. Awarded by the Kingdom of Prussia during the First World War, the Iron Cross 1st Class was worn directly on the left breast of the tunic and represented a higher grade of the Iron Cross than the ribbon-suspended 2nd Class.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe cross displays the traditional blackened center surrounded by a silver-colored frame with the characteristic finely ribbed inner border. The pronounced convex or vaulted profile is immediately apparent when viewed from the side. Such vaulted crosses were particularly popular as privately purchased wearing examples because the curvature allowed the decoration to conform more closely to the shape of the tunic and gave the cross a more prominent appearance when worn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe obverse carries the standard devices of the 1914 issue. The upper arm bears the Prussian royal crown, while the center displays the raised “W” cipher of Kaiser Wilhelm II, King of Prussia and German Emperor. The lower arm bears the date “1914,” identifying the wartime renewal of the decoration. The crown, cipher, and date remain sharply rendered against the blackened field.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Iron Cross was instituted by King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia on March 17, 1813, during the Wars of Liberation against Napoleonic France. The decoration was subsequently renewed for the Franco-Prussian War in 1870 and again by Kaiser Wilhelm II on August 5, 1914, following the outbreak of the First World War. Its deliberately austere cross form and black-and-silver appearance became among the most recognizable symbols of Prussian military service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Iron Cross 1st Class was a considerably more selective distinction than the 2nd Class. A recipient normally already held the Iron Cross 2nd Class before receiving the EK1, which recognized further acts of bravery, leadership, or distinguished military service. Unlike the EK2, the 1st Class was not worn from a ribbon. It was secured directly to the uniform, making its attachment system an important feature of surviving examples.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example employs a screwback mounting rather than the far more familiar hinged pin and catch. A central threaded post on the reverse passes through a separate cross-shaped backing plate and is secured by a circular screw disc. The components can be removed from one another, allowing the backing plate to distribute pressure across the fabric while the circular fastener holds the decoration firmly against the tunic. This substantial mounting arrangement is characteristic of privately purchased alternatives to regulation pinback crosses and adds considerable mechanical interest to the piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe reverse surfaces exhibit a silver-colored finish with natural age toning and scattered discoloration. No maker's mark, silver fineness mark, or recipient inscription is observed. Without such markings or accompanying documentation, the precise manufacturer and original recipient cannot presently be established.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition is very good to excellent overall. The blackened obverse center retains a particularly strong and even finish with only scattered minor handling marks and small areas of age-related wear. The royal crown, central “W,” and “1914” date remain crisp and well defined. The surrounding silver-colored frame retains strong detail to its ribbed borders and displays an appealing, lightly toned surface consistent with age. The pronounced vaulted profile remains intact without significant deformation. The separate cross-shaped backing plate and circular screwback disc are both present, with expected age toning and light surface wear to the reverse components.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 1914 Iron Cross 1st Class remains one of the principal decorations of Imperial German and First World War collecting. Screwback examples are encountered less frequently than conventional pinback EK1s, while strongly vaulted private-purchase forms are particularly desirable for the variety they demonstrate within period manufacture. With its well-preserved blackened center, pronounced vaulted profile, complete multi-piece screwback mounting system, and strong overall presentation, this is an appealing example for a specialized Iron Cross or Imperial German decorations collection.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Derrittmeister Militaria Group","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50759079461103,"sku":"09-676","price":650.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0662\/9169\/5855\/files\/SKU_09-676_1_1c6ab36c-2547-4d9f-b196-0ca1a8b72054.jpg?v=1789414847","url":"https:\/\/derrittmeister.com\/products\/german-iron-cross-1st-class-1914-screwback-ek1","provider":"Derrittmeister Militaria Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}