Original Imperial German WWI Prussian Iron Cross First Class 1914 in Original Case Hotchkiss MG 5 inches or 645 x

5 inches or 645 x 780 mm

Apparently no attempt was made to keep copper-plated lock parts together

while the front of the buckle has had a lot of wear

The interior is marked with German WW2 maker's mark or code and year of production

and all matching

Original Imperial German WWI Prussian Iron Cross First Class 1914 in Original Case Hotchkiss MG 5 inches or 645 xOriginal Item: Only One Available. Established by Frederick William in 1813 for gallantry in action, the decoration was revived several times for later conflicts. The bulk of the issues are divided into 1st and 2nd class versions, but a rare and superior 'Grand Cross' was also awarded for successful field commanders. During WW1 the lower decoration was freely awarded with 5 million second class types issued. Originally, the Iron Cross was an award of