German WWI 1914 Iron Cross 1st Class

German WWI 1914 Iron Cross 1st Class-This is a handsome vaulted example. The black finish to the iron core has lifted on the edges, but 80% of the original finish remains. The silver is excellent. The frame is still nice and shiny. The silver on the reverse of the badge is not toned. It remains nice and shiny. The reverse of the medal is marked 800 for silver content. This is a screw back style, and this has two screw back devices that function as they should. This is a nice early example. This style of award would be exclusively for officers.  History: On March 10th, 1813, Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm III established the Iron Cross as a temporary award for bestowal during times of war. Originally the Iron Cross was introduced in three grades with a Grand Cross intended for award to Senior Commanders for successfully leading troops in combat and the First and Second classes for award to all ranks for bravery or merit in action. The Iron Crosses were reinstituted by King Wilhelm I on July 19th, 1870, for award during the Franco-Prussian War and again on August 5th, 1914, by King Wilhelm II for award during WWI. On September 1st, 1939, Hitler once more reinstituted the Iron Cross series of awards in the First and Second Classes and established the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross. The first-class medal was for award to personnel who performed three to five acts of bravery in combat and had already been awarded the Iron Cross second class.