German WW1 Iron Cross | First Class

The Iron Cross First Class was a German military decoration awarded for bravery and leadership during World War I. Unlike the Second Class, which was worn from a ribbon, the First Class was a pin-backed medal worn directly on the uniform tunic, indicating a higher level of distinction. The design followed the traditional cross pattée shape established in the early nineteenth century, with a black iron core set within a silver frame, typically bearing the crowned “W” cipher of Kaiser Wilhelm II and the date 1914, marking the reauthorization of the award for the war.

The award had to be earned in sequence, meaning a soldier first received the Second Class before being eligible for the First Class, reinforcing a structured system of recognition for repeated or notable acts of courage. The Iron Cross carried strong cultural meaning in Germany, symbolizing duty, sacrifice, and military honor rather than rank or social class, and it could be awarded to both officers and enlisted men. During the First World War it became one of the most recognizable decorations of the German military, closely associated with front-line service and acts of battlefield bravery.

Ancient Artifacts guarantees the Authenticity of items sold through a three layer system of protection: 

1. Ancient Artifacts exclusively sources artifacts from trusted and reputable antique distributors, many of whom have been selling Artifacts for decades.  
2. Next, the Artifact is inspected by an expert team member, who is professionally trained in counterfeit detection After the artifact passes inspection, the Certificate of Authenticity is signed and the Artifact is packaged. 
3. Finally, Ancient Artifacts gives an additional layer of protection by promising a full refund with no questions asked, in the extremely unlikely event that a counterfeit slips through our vetting process.

You will receive the exact medal shown in the photos.

After the war, these medals were typically retained by the soldiers who were awarded them, often remaining with uniforms, documents, and other personal effects. Over time many stayed within family estates, while others were dispersed as veteran belongings were sold, inherited, or absorbed into larger militaria collections. Most examples encountered today originate from these original issued awards that later entered the secondary militaria market. From there they pass through specialized dealers and auctions, where they are identified, cataloged, and associated with German military service during World War I.