WW1 Imperial German Iron Cross 1st Class Screw Back

The WW1 Imperial German Iron Cross 1st Class Screw Back is a military decoration awarded by the German Empire during the First World War. Instituted in 1914, the Iron Cross 1st Class recognized acts of bravery and leadership on the battlefield. The decoration consists of a blackened iron core framed in a silver border, featuring a raised crown, the letter “W,” and the 1914 date on the obverse. This variant is fitted with a screw back mechanism, allowing the badge to be securely fastened to a uniform, in contrast to the more common pin-back style. The screw back design was typically favored for its sturdier attachment, especially by officers. The reverse is generally plain, with a threaded post and securing disc. Measuring approximately 44 mm, the Iron Cross 1st Class holds historical significance as a symbol of military honor in Imperial Germany during the First World War.