This guide will cover only the Prussian 1914 Iron Cross 1st Class.  The Eiserne Kreuz (Iron Cross - often abbreviated EK or IC) was originally instituted on 10 March 1813 by the Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm III and was re-introduced by Kaiser Wilhelm II (acting as the King of Prussia) in 1914.  It was awarded for bravery in the field - without regard to rank or status - during World War I.   The 1914 Iron Cross reverse was designed in 1813 by Karl Friedrich Schinkel, a famous Prussian sculptor and architect.  All German and Austrian recipients were entitled to at least one other medal - as a minimum, the 1914-1918 Cross of Honor and, in theory, the Iron Cross 2nd Class.  It is unknown how many Iron Crosses 1st Class were awarded, estimates range from 250,000 to 1 million. 

The 1914 Eiserne Kreuz I. Klasse or Iron Cross 1st Class is made of blackened iron, and has a silver edge attached.  Early WWI official issue examples are often hallmarked 800 or 900 on the reverse or edge.   Late WWI examples often have a silver plated edge with a non-metallic core and are rarely hallmarked.  It is worn on the left pocket under any ribbons or medals.   The obverse had the Imperial Prussian Crown at the 12:00 high position, a W central (for Kaiser Wilhelm II) and the date 1914 at the 6:00 low position.   The reverse is normally plain except for the attaching device, but it might have a mounting plate. 

1914 Eisernes Kreuz I. Klasse

Illustration only

The Iron Cross:  A History, 1813-1957 (Gordon Williamson) and The Iron Time:  A History of the Iron Cross (Stephen Thomas Previteria) are two excellent references that should be consulted but there are many other excellent works as well.  A review of most Imperial German unit histories typically list the number of 1914 Iron Crosses 1st Class that were awarded and, sometimes, biographical information with illustrations.  The German Decorations & Orders Society (BDOS) publishes outstanding detailed information as well.

Jeweler's copies were made for the recipients who had lost or damaged their Iron Crosses or who wanted a better quality with most being manufactured during the Weimar Republic or shortly afterwards.  Many of the jeweler's copies carry hallmarks and/or maker's marks which aids in identification - but not all - and some of these are not made of iron, making them non-responsive to a magnet test.  It's possible that the ribbon may have been replaced - possibly many times - over the course of time.  It is best to obtain one through a WWI Prussian medal specialist with a full guarantee.   Authentic examples vary considerably in price, from about $150 up.  A beginner should pay about $175 to $250 for a typical basic example - or more if other medal(s) are included.  1914 Iron Crosses 1st Class priced over $400 are normally specialist items which require a considerable amount of knowledge about that particular Cross.

Copies and forgeries abound.  Most copies (typically cast) are made for collectors or re-enactors who require an example and typically sell for about $15 to $75.  Please review my copy medal guide http://reviews.ebay.com/Worldwide-Military-Medals-Copy-Medal_W0QQugidZ10000000001875117 for a more detailed explanation.  The forgeries are typically struck from dies.  This can be difficult to detect but a trained specialist can make that determination through an analysis of the metal, lettering, and the silver beading.  Extensive documentation on forged 1914 Iron Cross 1st Class examples is available worldwide.  Please review my forgery medal guide http://reviews.ebay.com/Worldwide-Military-Medals-Forgery-Medals_W0QQugidZ10000000001875079 for a more detailed explanation.  Both forgery types are often encountered at flea markets or are offered online - usually at a price approaching that of a verified authentic example.  As mentioned earlier, jeweler's copies are known and are sometimes regarded as suitable collector examples if they are verified contemporary - but many sellers do not make the distinction clear.  Again, the best advice is:  Buy only from a reputable dealer who specializes in WWI Prussian medals.  Please visit my blog (http://blogs.ebay.com/tsa-li) and/or guides for further information.  Thank you for your visit!