Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. The Iron Cross (Eisernes Kreuz, abbreviated EK) was a military decoration in the Kingdom of Prussia, and later in the German Empire (1871–1918) and NSDAP Germany (1933–1945). It was established by King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia in March 1813, backdated to the birthday of his late wife Queen Louise on 10 March 1813 during the Napoleonic Wars (EK 1813). Louise was the first person to receive this decoration (posthumous). The recommissioned Iron Cross was also awarded during the Franco-Prussian War (EK 1870), World War I (EK 1914), and World War II (EK 1939, re-introduced with a swas added in the center).
The basic design of the WWII crosses is a central cross patee struck from iron and mounted in a silver frame which has a raised crenulated decorative border. The obverse of the cross bears the date 1939 under a "mobile" swas. Reverse is plain with the date of the decoration’s institution, 1813, at the bottom. Suspension for second-class (EK II) types is by means of a ring, and frequently this ring bears a maker's stamp, which on this example is the number 120.
This example is in very good condition, and has a lovely tarnished silver patina, with most of the original black paint retained, with a few areas of rust liting. It is not marked, which is not unusual, as the EK II has few places where a marking would not detract from the look.
The award does not have the ribbon, and has been placed in a very nice German-Made Glass Display Dome, with a wooden bottom bearing the round German trademark label, which reads DEUTSCHES REICH. GEBRAUCHSMUSTER., surrounded by GESETZLICH GESCHÜTZT. This basically indicates that this is a trademarked design, and that it is protected under the German "utility model". The award hangs from a very nice velvet covered mounting, which has a lovely fabric covering on the back. There is some wear to the fabric and velvet, but it is very nice. There is also a plaque at the bottom, however it was not personalized.
This is a fantastic chance to own a solid period example of the most iconic of all NSDAP German awards, complete with a very attractive German-Made display dome! Ready to display!
- This product is available for international shipping. Shipping not available to: Australia, France, or Germany
- Due to legal restrictions this item cannot be shipped to Australia, France or Germany. This is not a comprehensive list and other countries may be added in the future.
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