Original German WWI Prussian Vaulted Iron Cross First Class 1914 marked 800 Crimean War These hills they encountered were

These hills they encountered were covered with vineyards instead of forest

the blade certainly predates 1814 and must have seen service during the First Empire

this was purchased some thirty years ago in Germany from Castle Sale where it had been on display with a stand of arms for the previous 50 years

This example has a manufacturers label coded hdc indicating it was produced by the firm of Luftfahrtgeraetewerk Hakenfelde GmbH

After a $3 million down payment in gold

Original German WWI Prussian Vaulted Iron Cross First Class 1914 marked 800 Crimean War These hills they encountered wereOriginal Item: Only One Available. Established by Frederick William in 1813 for gallantry in action, the Iron Cross 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