German WW1 Iron Cross | First Class Artifacts The empire was marked by

The empire was marked by a strong centralized government

A Note on Byzantine Gold Rings: Byzantine gold rings with cabochon stones were symbols of status

These coins were minted in vast quantities at numerous locations throughout Alexander's empire

typically bearing the crowned cipher of Kaiser Wilhelm II on the upper arm

German WW1 Iron Cross | First Class Artifacts The empire was marked byHistory of the Artifact The Iron Cross First Class was a German military decoration awarded for bravery and leadership during World War I. Unlike the Second Class, which was worn from a ribbon, the First Class was a pin backed medal worn directly on the uniform tunic, indicating a higher level of distinction. The design followed the traditional cross patte shape established in the early nineteenth century, with a black iron core set within a silver