Original Imperial German WWI Prussian Vaulted Iron Cross First Class 1914 with 1919 Inscription in Case - EKI 20th Century The liner is stamped with

The liner is stamped with a clear size 55 on the rear

an element of the 1st Brigade

showing the expected wear from long service on the frontier

the Civil War Union Veterans’ Organization

The inside of the cap under the sweatband still bears its original fabric RZM tag

Original Imperial German WWI Prussian Vaulted Iron Cross First Class 1914 with 1919 Inscription in Case - EKI 20th Century The liner is stamped withOriginal 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