Iron Cross 2’nd class 1914 Maker Marked KO

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 virtually all of the black paint intact to the Iron core. The cross comes complete with suspension ring and ribbed rayon ribbon. The suspension ring is maker marked “KO”. The cross is in very good condition with a very nice age patina.