Iron Cross First Class 1914, Engraved Zeppeliner Oblt.z.S W. Dietsch

The cross is a standard issue cross, three piece construction with Iron core and silvered frames. Hinge, pin and catch all intact to the reverse. The cross is also maker marked to the reverse, under the catch: “Fr”. The cross is in good still well used condition with a very nice age patina. The black paint to the core is very faded. What makes this cross a truly one of a kind is the engraving to the reverse which reads:

Oblt.z.S W. Dietsch (Oberleutnant Zür see, which is correct sinze the Zeppeliner was under the Marine’s command.)

Then follows a four different Zeppeliner number’s where Dietsch served: L5, L17, L35, L61.

Last is the dates 14/18 for 1914 – 1918.

Here is a link to Danish Wikipedia where Dietsch is mentioned as second in command at L17:

https://da.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luftskib_L_17

Here is a second link, where Dietsch is mentioned again as second in command this time serving in in L5: http://ribewiki.dk/da/Zeppelin_L_5_Plung%C4%97_i_Litauen_6._aug._1915