Original Imperial German WWI Prussian Iron Cross First Class 1914 in Original Case Hotchkiss MG 1942 by transfer of 587

1942 by transfer of 587 enlisted men and one half of the 44th officers

and all matching

The interior is marked with German WW2 maker's mark or code and year of production

5 inches or 645 x 780 mm

There are a few paint marks on the back of the scabbard

Original Imperial German WWI Prussian Iron Cross First Class 1914 in Original Case Hotchkiss MG 1942 by transfer of 587Original 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