Iron Cross 2’nd class 1914

The order of the Iron Cross was founded by King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia, after the war of liberation from Napoleon in 1813. It was to be an award for gallantry conferred only in time of war. The Iron Cross was re-instituted at the commencement of the Franco-Prussian War in 1870, the First World War in 1914, and the Second World War in 1939. In each of the three latter cases, the specific re-institution date may be seen to the lower obverse arm.

Standard issue cross. 3-piece construction with magnetic center. The cross is in good condition with most of the black paint intact to the Iron core. The cross shows some light surface rust and a nice age patina to the core. The cross comes complete with suspension ring and ribbed rayon ribbon.