Iron Cross 2nd Class Spange by Ziemer

Product Description: This Iron Cross 2nd Class Spange by Ziemer is an eye-catching original piece. The obverse shows wear, and has a bright luster to the high points of the eagle, swastika and date, likely a result of having been polished at some time in the past. The matte finish remaining in the recesses contrasts handsomely with the bright highlights. This Iron Cross 2nd Class Spange retains all of the original attachment prongs on the reverse, with no repairs or other issues to note. It is affixed to a nice length of original black and white 1914 pattern Iron Cross ribbon. The ribbon shows some age toning to the white fabric, and is neatly hand stitched together on the reverse, using black thread. This is a nice example of a desirable and uncommon Spange variant, with a great look. It remains in excellent condition overall.

Historical Description: When Adolf Hitler reinstituted the historical Iron Cross was 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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