in my opinion it's a copy, made using an Iron Cross of the 1914 type: the oakleaves in the centre are typical.
Again, I think that the careful study of valuable sources is important, especially with expensive pieces.
The book of Friedhelm Heyde on the EK (1813-1870-1914) from the Max Aurich collection is still valid even if published many years ago. It's wort its price, although quite expensive.
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