German WWI 1914 Iron Cross 1st Class Screwback-This would be a special privately purchased Iron Cross 1st Class screwback award and definitely meant to be worn by an officer. The finish on this example is 100% intact and excellent with no scratches. The frame is beautifully toned. This is slightly vaulted. It’s hard to believe this badge is over 100 years old, it is in beautiful condition. An excellent example!
History: Iron Cross (EK 1914) was a continuation of the military decoration first established in 1813. Though technically a Prussian award, it served as the primary German decoration for bravery during the conflict.
The 1914 series maintained three traditional classes based on the severity of the feat:
- Second Class (EK II): Awarded for bravery in a single action. Over 5,196,000 were issued during the war.
- First Class (EK I): Required the prior award of the Second Class and continued merit. Approximately 218,000 were issued.
- Grand Cross: Reserved for high-ranking generals who made strategic decisions affecting the war's outcome. Only five were awarded (to Kaiser Wilhelm II, Hindenburg, Ludendorff, Prince Leopold of Bavaria, and von Mackensen).
- Star of the Grand Cross: A unique, higher honor awarded only once in 1914 to Field Marshal Paul von Hindenburg in 1918.