{"product_id":"prussian-iron-cross-1st-class-1914-screwback-private-purchase-ek1","title":"German Iron Cross 1st Class 1914 Vaulted Screwback EK1","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is an original Imperial German Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse 1914 (Iron Cross 1st Class 1914), the Prussian military decoration commonly abbreviated EK1, in a screwback mounting configuration associated with privately purchased examples of the First World War period. Unlike the Iron Cross 2nd Class, which was suspended from a ribbon, the 1st Class was worn directly on the left breast of the military tunic. The screwback system offered a secure alternative to the more commonly encountered pinback attachment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe cross has the traditional broad-armed form with a blackened central field surrounded by a silver-colored outer frame. The frame is finished with the characteristic finely ribbed inner border that follows the contours of all four arms. The cross has a gently vaulted profile rather than lying completely flat, a feature often encountered on privately purchased examples intended to sit prominently against the uniform.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe obverse carries the standard 1914 Iron Cross devices. The upper arm bears the Prussian royal crown. At the center is the raised letter “W,” the cipher of Kaiser Wilhelm II, King of Prussia and German Emperor. The lower arm bears the date “1914,” identifying the wartime reinstitution of the decoration. Together these devices immediately distinguish the 1914 issue from the earlier 1813 and 1870 forms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Iron Cross was originally established by King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia in 1813 during the Wars of Liberation against Napoleonic France. Kaiser Wilhelm II renewed the decoration on August 5, 1914, immediately following the outbreak of the First World War. The 1914 Iron Cross was awarded without distinction of social class and became the most recognizable Prussian and Imperial German decoration of the conflict.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Iron Cross 1st Class represented a higher level of recognition than the 2nd Class. A recipient normally first held the Iron Cross 2nd Class before receiving the 1st Class, which acknowledged continued bravery, leadership, or distinguished military service. Whereas the 2nd Class was ordinarily worn from a ribbon, the EK1 was attached directly to the tunic and thus became an immediately visible indication of the wearer’s wartime distinction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe reverse is fitted with a substantial screwback attachment rather than the conventional hinged pin and catch. The mounting assembly includes the central attachment post together with a shaped cross-form backing plate and circular pressure disc. The components could be tightened against the inside of the tunic fabric, distributing pressure over a broader area and holding the decoration firmly in position. This type of mounting is particularly associated with privately purchased replacement or upgraded examples selected by recipients in preference to a standard pinback cross.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe mounting components can be disassembled, clearly revealing the construction of the fastening system. The reverse displays a silver-colored finish with age toning and scattered oxidation. No maker’s mark, silver fineness mark, or recipient engraving is observed, and the piece therefore cannot presently be attributed to a particular manufacturer or recipient. The precise alloy of the blackened central component has not been independently tested and is consequently not stated beyond its observed black-finished construction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition is very good overall, with honest age and wear. The blackened center retains the majority of its original dark finish, although there is visible age cracking and surface crazing, most noticeably across the left horizontal arm, together with scattered small areas of finish loss around the central “W” and lower arm. The Prussian crown, Wilhelm II cipher, and “1914” date remain sharply defined. The silver-colored frame retains strong detail throughout its finely ribbed inner border and shows natural age toning, scattered handling wear, and darker patination in recessed areas. The vaulted form remains intact without significant distortion. The screwback components are complete and display corresponding age toning and oxidation to the reverse surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 1914 Iron Cross 1st Class remains one of the central decorations of any Imperial German or First World War collection. Screwback examples are encountered less frequently than standard pinback EK1s and are particularly appealing to collectors studying the many private-purchase construction variations offered to decorated German officers and enlisted personnel during and immediately following the war. This example combines a well-preserved obverse, attractive vaulted profile, and distinctive multi-component screwback system.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Derrittmeister Militaria Group","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50759062225135,"sku":"09-697","price":495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0662\/9169\/5855\/files\/SKU_09-676_1.jpg?v=1789412511","url":"https:\/\/derrittmeister.com\/products\/prussian-iron-cross-1st-class-1914-screwback-private-purchase-ek1","provider":"Derrittmeister Militaria Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}