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Title Iron Cross, 2nd class, 1914
Nationality German
Period c 1914-18
Sold

The Iron Cross was instituted in 1813 for the campaign against Napoleon. At the start of the Great War, the 1914 version was created as it had been for the war of 1870 against France.

Many millions of these crosses were made, but the rarity is in the ribbon, which sadly fluoresces under a UV lamp, which means, almost certainly, that it is of modern origin.

The non-combatant ribbon would have accompanied the cross when it was awarded to non-combatant personnel, such as nurses and those deemed to have performed a gallant act outside the immediate combat sphere. The cross itself is not in brilliant shape, a fair amount of its paint work having been lost over the years. However, the appearance is not unpleasant and the ribbon is in excellent shape, as you would expect for a modern copy!

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.


[Militaria : Medals : German : 20th Century]

testimonials

Hanger arrived safe and sound 11.30ish today. Very pleased, it's as expected. Your excellent pics make all the difference in terms of confident buying over the net. As a matter of interest, the frog, which as you said is very a/f, is, as you thought, 'spot on'. On closer inspection it is a mk.1 Naval Frog, designated 'for cutlasses'. Date seems around 1860ish give or take.

By the way, I think your site is very user friendly. Seems to work much better than many and up to date, a rarity!!!

C W, UK, 20.04.2006

I received the silver Verdienstkreuz this morning. Your swiftness and dedication was very much appreciated and, though the envelope arrived with a Post Office sticker saying it had been found open or damaged, the cross was unharmed and looks beautiful. Thanks for your time.

E C, UK, 18.10.2005

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