Imperial 2nd Class Iron Cross

Germany > German Empire > Awards & Medals >

Imperial Eisernes Kreuz II Klasse 1914. The Iron Cross Second Class was reauthorized by Emperor Wilhelm II on August 5, 1914, and was award to personnel who performed a single act of bravery in combat. It is a multi-piece, die struck construction that has been soldered together. The single piece core is constructed out of an iron metal base that has been black enamel painted. The frame is constructed out of a nickel-silver base that has been silver washed. A final protectant lacquer was applied over the entire award. The obverse features; a pattée style cross that has a centrally placed embossed “W” (cypher of King Wilhelm II), below a Kings crown (top arm) and above “1914” (lower arm - institution date August 5, 1914), which is all on a black base and surrounded by a silvered ribbed/beaded row and a flat outlying border. The reverse shows a centrally placed three-piece oak leaf and acorn cluster, below “FW” (cypher of King Friedrich Wilhelm III) and a Kings crown and is above “1813” (lower arm), and is all surrounded by that same border. The award measures 1 11/16 inches wide and tall. To the top is a soldered-on loop and ring which holds 6 inches of black and white rayon ribbon. A great example.