WWI German Iron Cross 2nd Class, Maker Marked, Early War Manufacture

Description

An Original Iron Cross 2nd class, also known in German as Eisernes Kreuz 1914 2nd Klasse.
Marked KO on the suspension ring for Koenigliches Muenzamt.
Orders, Imperial Mint Berlin. This maker is known to be typically awarded to troops on the field.
Three piece construction. Silver Frame with Iron Core.
This particular iron core was sand cast forged, which was done only during the first half of the war. As demand increased, stamped/pressed forged cores were produced later in the war.
Instituted in 1813 and re-instituted 5 August 1914 for the Great War. 1914-1918 issue, Constructed of silver, consisting of a Cross Pattée with a blackened iron core within a ribbed silver frame, the obverse with a central initial “W”, the six o’clock arm with a reinstitution date of “1914”, the twelve o’clock arm with a royal crown, the reverse with three central oak leaves, the six o’clock arm with an initial institution date of “1813”, the twelve o’clock arm with initials “FW” topped by a royal crown.