{"product_id":"original-imperial-german-wwi-era-medal-bar-with-ekii-austro-hungarian-wwi-pro-deo-et-patria-military-medal-and-hindenburg-cross","title":"Original Imperial German WWI Era Medal Bar with EKII, Austro-Hungarian WWI Pro Deo et Patria Military Medal, and Hindenburg Cross","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: One-of-a-kind. This is a very nice Imperial German genuine medal bar, owned by a German soldier who fought during WWI. They may have also served during the Weimar period, but there are no medals from that period. The ribbons are somewhat faded and worn, but most colors are still relatively vibrant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe set of 3 medals offered in good condition is mounted on a metal backing board with a now broken pin as the catch is gone, and consists of the following medals:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Imperial German WWI Iron Cross 1914 2nd Class Medal\u003cbr\u003e- Imperial German WWI Honor Cross of the World War 1914\/1918 (Hindenburg Cross) Medal\u003cbr\u003e- Imperial German Austro-Hungarian WWI Pro Deo et Patria Military Medal 1914-1918.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBelow is an explanation of each medal in detail:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGerman WWI Prussian Iron Cross 2nd Class with Ribbon: \u003c\/strong\u003eEstablished by Frederick William in 1813 for gallantry in action, the Eisernes Kreuz (EK) decoration was revived several times for later conflicts. The bulk of the issues are divided into 1st and 2nd class versions, but a rare and superior 'Grand Cross' was also awarded for successful field commanders. During WW1 the lower decoration was freely awarded with 5½ million second class types issued. Originally, the Iron Cross was an award of the Kingdom of Prussia, however given Prussia's pre-eminent place in the German Empire formed in 1871, it became an award for all of Germany.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe basic design of the WW1 crosses is a central Tatzenkreuz (cross pattée) struck from iron and mounted in a silver frame which has a raised crenulated decorative border. The obverse of the cross bears the date 1914 under a crowned 'W' monogram. Reverse bears an oak leaf cluster with the date of the decoration’s institution, 1813 underneath - the crowned initials of Frederick William are in the top arm above the oak leaf cluster. Suspension for second-class types is by means of a ring, and frequently this ring bears a maker's stamp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease examine the edge seam for authentication, which is not present on reproductions. Iron crosses were commonly constructed from an iron core sandwiched in a surrounding two part silver frame, normally the seam of these two silver parts is visible around the edge of the cross as is seen on this fine example.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHindenburg Cross with Crossed Swords (for combat): \u003c\/strong\u003eThe Honor Cross of the World War 1914\/1918 (German: Das Ehrenkreuz des Weltkriegs 1914\/1918), commonly, but incorrectly, known as the Hindenburg Cross was established by Field Marshal Paul von Hindenburg, President of the German Republic, by an order dated 13 July 1934, to commemorate the distinguished deeds of the German people during the First World War. This was Germany's first official service medal for soldiers of Imperial Germany who had taken part in the war, and where they had since died it was also awarded to their surviving next-of-kin. Shortly after its issuance, the government of NSDAP Germany declared the award as the only official service decoration of the First World War and further forbid the continued wearing of German Free Corps awards on any military or paramilitary uniform of a state or NSDAP Party organization.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAustro- Hungarian WWI Pro Deo et Patria Military Medal 1914-1918: \u003c\/strong\u003eHungary (Austro-hungarian Empire): Hungarian WWI Commemorative Combatant's military medal PRO DEO ET PATRIA (for God and Country). Award for the participation in the Great War. The medal was instituted in 1929. It is mounted on the correct red white and green ribbon, though the green has faded almost completely to yellow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA great parade medal bar that is welcomed into any caliber collection. Comes ready for further research and display.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45117052026949,"sku":"ONAC25SD1213","price":250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONAC25SD1213__01.jpg?v=1780931745","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-imperial-german-wwi-era-medal-bar-with-ekii-austro-hungarian-wwi-pro-deo-et-patria-military-medal-and-hindenburg-cross","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}