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Title Iron Cross, 1st class, 1914, screw-back
Nationality German
Period 1914-18
Sold

This is the well-known gallantry award for the Great War, marked 800 on the reverse (ie 80% silver). Adolf Hitler was awarded one of these as a runner in his Bavarian regiment in WW1. The screw-back variety is considerably scarcer than the pin-back type.

This has all its original black paint finish and has a two-part screw fitting on the reverse. This is almost identical to a reverse fitting in V.E. Bowen's authoritative book The Prussian and German Iron Cross, the second illustration on page 138, although in this case the cross is a curved example.

There is apparently the possibility that the male screw fitting elements may be replacements in the era of the cross's use, ie contemporary replacements. For instance, the screw fitting appears to be silver-plated brass, while the spinner appears to be silver.

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.


[Militaria : Medals : German : 20th Century]

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