Imperial German Iron Cross 2nd Class 1914
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1914
This authentic Imperial German Iron Cross 2nd Class (Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse or EK2) is a significant military decoration from the World War I era. The medal features the traditional cross form, constructed with a magnetic iron core enclosed within a silver alloy frame that displays a natural patina consistent with its age.
Attached to the top is its original black and white Prussian ribbon, which exhibits signs of period use and fraying. The obverse of the cross is centered with the royal cypher 'W' for Kaiser Wilhelm II, topped by a Prussian crown, and marked with the year '1914' at the bottom. The reverse side commemorates the award's origins, featuring a crown, the cypher 'FW' for King Friedrich Wilhelm III, a decorative sprig of oak leaves, and the establishment date of '1813'.
Measuring approximately 1.65 by 1.65 inches and weighing 0.6 ounces, this medal serves as a historic example of Imperial German military bravery awards from the Great War.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Weight
- 0.6 oz
- Material
- magnetic iron core, silver alloy frame
- Dimensions
- 1.65 x 1.65 inches
Technical characteristics
- Award class
- 2nd Class
Design
- Ribbon
- black and white Prussian
- Obverse
- Prussian crown, royal cypher 'W', date '1914'
- Reverse
- Crown, cypher 'FW', oak leaves, date '1813'
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.