G279.)CASED 1914 IRON CROSS 2nd CLASS: super-fine specimen of the '14EKII, three-piece construction with smooth, black finished, magnetic center. Silver frame is darkly toned with patina. Ring is die-struck with maker's mark 'K.A.G.' for the 'Kuhmayer A.G.' near the Slovakian border. True aficionados of the 1914 Iron Cross consider such KAG marked pieces to be the earliest, first-issue types of the series. Comes in decorative 3x5" maroon leatherette case with rounded corners, functioning spring button catch at front. Inside of case is lined with plush black velvet and is deeply recessed to hold EK and ring. Upper interior of case is slotted with wide channel to hold 12" length of folded ribbon. Upper interior of case is lined with padded white satin and is gold printed with jeweler 'Josef Mainwald, Uhren & Goldwaren, Zittau'. EXC++++

Interesting to point out that the German firm 'KAG' was located close to where this jeweler was located in Zittau.