Imperial EK2 – FR – Gebrüder Friedländer

Product Description: This Imperial EK2 – FR is a choice, extremely attractive example of this iconic WWI combat award. The cross is outstandingly well-preserved and has exceptional eye appeal. The iron core retains virtually all of the original, factory applied black enamel paint, which is clean and pristine, with a subtle gleam. This cross shows no rust or damage, and no evident wear. The beautiful frame shows crisp beading and only minimal age toning. The suspension ring is intact, and is maker marked with the letter “FR” in sunken relief indicating manufacture by Gebrüder Friedländer. This gorgeous cross is complete with a nice length of correct original black and white ribbon. The ribbon shows only extremely slight age, with some minor fraying to the ends and just a hint of toning to the white fibers. This Imperial EK2 – FR is a desirable cross, that displays exceptionally well. It remains in outstanding, excellent plus condition.

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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