German WW1 Iron Cross 1st Class

German WW1 Iron Cross 1st Class. With pin back the Iron Cross 1st Class was worn on the left side of the recipient's uniform.

The Iron Cross 1st Class and the Iron Cross 2nd Class were awarded without regard to rank. One had to possess the 2nd Class already in order to receive the 1st Class (though in some cases both could be awarded simultaneously).