Prussian Iron Cross 1st Class 1914 pinback badge
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1914
This item is a Prussian Iron Cross 1st Class, commonly known as an EK 1, issued during the First World War. It is constructed as a flat pinback cross pattée, featuring a blackened iron core set within a silver frame.
The design includes a smooth outer edge and an inner beaded border. The obverse is decorated with raised motifs: a royal crown in the upper arm, the monogram “W” in the center, and the year “1914” in the lower arm. The reverse side has a matte surface and is fitted with a vertical pin assembly, which includes a three-part hinge and a pin catch. Measuring 42x42 mm, this specific type of insignia was designed to be worn on the left breast of a uniform.
While there is a maker's mark present on the pin, it is no longer legible. This 1914 version retains the traditional shape and style instituted in the 19th century, updated with the specific royal initial and date for the imperial period of Emperor Wilhelm II.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- iron, silver
- Dimensions
- 42x42 mm
Technical characteristics
- Attachment
- pinback with three-part hinge and pin catch
Design
- Shape
- cross pattée
- Obverse
- raised royal crown, central monogram W, date 1914
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.