Imperial Iron Cross 2nd Class

Product Description: A particularly attractive example of the Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse (Iron Cross 2nd Class), awarded for acts of valor during the First World War. This piece exhibits classic period craftsmanship, featuring a magnetic iron core with nearly all of the original factory-applied black lacquer finish intact. Only minimal wear is present, primarily confined to the high points, lending it a subtle, authentic character.

The obverse displays crisp detail to the raised 1914 date and “W” cipher beneath the Prussian crown, while the reverse bears the earlier 1870 date in commemoration of the Iron Cross’s origins. The silvered frame is beautifully toned, with warm patination along the outer edges providing an elegant contrast to the softer luster of the interior beading. Slight curling to the arm tips is noted, consistent with age and handling.

Complete with its original suspension ring and full-length period ribbon, which shows thinning from age but remains fully intact. A representative and well-preserved example of this iconic Imperial German decoration.

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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