Spange 2nd Class with Imperial Ribbon EK2 – S&L

Product Description: A fine and early example of the Spange 2nd Class with Imperial Ribbon EK2 – S&L, produced by Steinhauer & Lück, Lüdenscheid. Manufactured in tombak with a high-quality rhodium silver–washed finish, the clasp exhibits crisp detail and a bright, even surface with minimal signs of age. The reverse retains its original fittings, all intact and functional.

The attached Imperial-style EK2 ribbon shows period wear and light age toning, consistent with long-term storage and handling. Overall, this Spange 2nd Class with Imperial Ribbon EK2 – S&L presents as a well-preserved and highly collectible early production example from a respected wartime maker.

Historical Description: When Adolf Hitler reinstituted the historical Iron Cross decoration on September 1, 1939, he also instituted a special new award, the “Wiederholungsspange,” to recognize people who had earned the 1914 Iron Cross during WWI and whose actions in this new war merited being awarded the Iron Cross again. There were two different patterns of this Spange, for the First and Second Classes of the Iron Cross. Both of them took the form of a German national eagle and swastika emblem, with outstretched wings, over a bar with the date “1939.” The First-Class award had a pin attachment or screw back, to enable it to be worn on the uniform pocket over the 1914 Iron Cross. Some combo-type awards are also known, with the Spange fastened to the top arm of the 1914 cross. The Second Class Spange had two or four prongs on the reverse and was affixed to a length of 1914 pattern Iron Cross ribbon. Most of the Spange awards were made of a brass alloy (Buntmetall) with a silver finish, while late war examples were produced from zinc. As with most German combat awards, there were many variations of the Spange produced, including miniature awards for the ribbon bar.

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