Description
This is an unusual variant of the 1914 Iron Cross 1st Class I have not encountered its type before. It is a flat (non vaulted) example, similar to the type awarded by the government. The obverse’s paint rates at about 90%. It has a standard iron (magnetic) center. The reverse is where we find its “unusual” part. The pin is unlike any I have seen on an Iron Cross in the past. It is almost like a safety pin. I have seen this type of pin on Gallipoli Stars manufactured by “B B & C Co.” Since this pin is less sturdy than a conventional pin, it most certainly was used on a tunic with sewn-in loops. It might not have been strong enough to pierce a wool tunic. It is a most interesting variant.
