Iron Cross 1st Class 1914

King William I founded the Iron Cross on 19 July 1870, the Foundation has been backdated to the 60th anniversary of the death of his mother, Queen Louise. In the tradition of the Iron Cross of 1813, the statutes were maintained as far as possible. The renewal of the Iron Cross by Wilhelm II. In World War 1 consists of the three classes of Grand Cross, 1st class and 2nd class. In 1918 Field Marshal Paul von Hindenburg Beneckendorff and was awarded as a special form of the Star of the Iron Cross with golden rays. Reason was the successful spring offensive against France. Here shown the first class of Button and manufacturer KO. The cross occurs with needle and screw back. Depending on the manufacturer is aware of various cores and mounting systems. The cross-body may be straight or slightly curved. Purchase and replacement pieces were made ​​up in the 1930-ies.

Repetition brace 1939 Iron Cross 1st Class 1914

The repetition brace was instituted simultaneously with the renewal of the Iron Cross from 1939 on 1 September 1939 by Adolf Hitler. Excellent support of the Iron Cross 1st class of 1914, a deed brought an award to the class already received the Iron Cross again justified. This repetition clips were donated for the 1st class and also for the 2nd class. The brace for 1st class has a vertical pin or screw back and was worn over the Iron Cross 1914. It also clips were directly soldered firmly to the Iron Cross 1st Class on the upper arm of the cross. The repetition brace 2nd class was made ​​with 4 or 2 split pins and fastened on the belt of the Cross from 1914. The Eagle of the 1st class size of 44 mm, the 2nd class only 30 mm wingspan. During production, a distinction between two forms. The first shape of the clips of the two classes is a trapezoidal plate in which the ends are slightly bent inward. The second form has just ends at the sign.
The clasps of the first class vary in size depending on the manufacturer between 44 mm and 45.7 mm in width. Around 1940 also clasps of silver-plated zinc were made​​. For clips with manufacturer name this back on the center of the wreath.