Imperial 2nd Class Iron Cross

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Parade Mount - German Empire, WWI - Eisernes Kreuz II. Klasse 1914 by R. 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 an 800 silver content base. 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 and 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 which is attached to a single parade mount medal bar. The bar is constructed out of a two-piece stamped sheet metal base that has been field grey painted. The bar is covered to the obverse with the appropriate black and white silk-like ribbon and to the back with an orange felt (possible replacement). The award measures 1 11/16 inches wide and tall. A great piece.