Imperial 2nd Class Iron Cross

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German Empire, WWI - Eisernes Kreuz II. Klasse 1914. Reinstituted August 5, 1914, by Emperor Wilhelm II, as the third endowment of the Iron Cross, the 2nd Class was awarded to personnel who performed a single act of bravery in combat. From March 16, 1915, the Iron Cross could also be awarded to members of the states allied with the Empire of Germany. 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. The obverse features; a pattée style cross that has a centrally placed embossed “W” (cypher of King Wilhelm I & II), below a Kings crown (top arm) and above “1914” (lower arm – reinstitution date of the Iron Cross), 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 which is above “1813” (lower arm - original creation date of the Iron Cross), and is all surrounded by that same border. To the top is a soldered-on loop and ring that holds 6 inches of leather strap, most likely from a watch fob. This cross is heavily worn. The award measures 1 11/16 inches wide and tall.