German Awards - Iron Cross 1. Class 1914 with patent KMST

Iron Cross 1. The class with the so-called patent lock is one of the rarest options. Like most high-quality iron crosses with special fuses, this is also a purchase item. They could be purchased in trade from the carrier. Depending on tastes and financial capabilities, he could purchase a second copy from various manufacturers. The manufacturer of the KMST, believed to be the Royal Stuttgart Mint, proposed several unusual needle systems or fuse mounting options for iron crosses. Emperor and King William II. Established the Iron Cross for World War I on August 5, 1914. The renewal of the Iron Cross in World War I consists of the 3rd class of the Grand Cross, 1st class and 2nd class. In 1918, Field Marshal Paul von Beneckendorf and Hindenburg as special uniforms were awarded the Star of the Iron Cross with Gold Rays. The reason was the successful spring offensive against France. The Iron Cross was "reburied" until 1924. This concerned, in particular, prisoners of war, unfulfilled petitions from the war and subsequent petitions. The deadline for applications was set for 31.05.1924.
Purchased items were offered by many manufacturers until the 1930s.

The slightly domed cross consists of silver edging and silver reverse, the latter soldered. The front part of the coffin has a raised, located inside, 2-step edge, from which the inner edge is shaded with a semicircular and small transverse stroke. Between them is an inner cross of blackened iron (magnetic). Rear side with 2 pins fitted with 3 grooves on each. It is on the upper and lower crosses. Punched lock washer is put on, moved and fixed with central folding lock.

Front side:

In the
• center of the iron core, the letter - W -
In the
• upper cross sleeve Prussian royal crown
In
• the lower cross sleeve year - 1914 -

Downside:

• Smooth with two corrugated pins on it on the upper and lower crosses.
• On the right cruciform shoulder, the factory marking increases - K - M - S - T -.
• On the left cruciform shoulder rises - D - R - G - M - (Deutsches Reichsgebuschmuster).

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