Iron Cross 2nd Class

Product Description: This Iron Cross 2nd Class is a very appealing example of one of the most iconic German military decorations of the Second World War. The iron core retains nearly all of its original black enamel finish, with only minimal wear along some raised areas, where the underlying iron shows through slightly—giving the piece a subtle and attractive contrast.

The dates and central motifs are sharply defined, showing crisp and well-preserved detail. The silver frame has developed pleasing, even age toning along the outer edges, which pairs nicely with the soft luster of the beaded border. The cross is complete with its original suspension ring, which is unmarked, and includes a correct period ribbon for the Iron Cross 2nd Class.

Overall, this is a strong, representative example in excellent plus condition—an ideal piece for any collection focused on WWII awards or German militaria.

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Historical Description: The various European nations, states, kingdoms, and empires in existence from the second half of the 19th century through the interwar period prior to 1939 issued an extremely wide array of medals, orders, and awards of all kinds. Awards were issued for military as well as for civil service. Some awards were bestowed for acts of bravery or some other specific individual merit. At the other end of the scale, were commemorative medals that were issued en masse to whole organizations, to recognize some special event or anniversary. The issue of medals and awards increased exponentially during the first World War, and many who fought in those years went on to have long medal bars that displayed their various decorations. Issue of medals for WWI service did not cease in 1918. After the war, the authority to bestow awards seems to have become a subject of confusion in some nations, with various veteran organizations issuing unofficial commemorative medals that were not state sanctioned. When the Third Reich period began in 1933, the very first award officially instituted was a commemorative medal for WWI veterans- the so-called Hindenburg Cross.

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