Original German WWI Medal Collection – USGI Bring Back Original Items

Original Items: Only one set available. This set of 3 Medals were brought back by a New Jersey veteran of the Great War. We purchased this set directly from the family. The set includes the following:

• Original German WWI Prussian Iron Cross 2nd Class with Ribbon

Established by Frederick William in 1813 for gallantry in action, the 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. During WW1 the lower decoration was freely awarded with 5½ million second class types issued.

The basic design of the WW1 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 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.

Please not 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.

• Original Bavarian WWI Merenti Cross for Military Merit with swords, 2nd Class, 1866 with Ribbon

The Order of Military Merit was instituted in 1866 in 5 Classes. In 1905 the Cross of Military Merit was revised initially to 2 Classes and in 1913 to 3 classes. Each class was awarded according to the rank of the recipient and could be issued with or without swords (for peace or war time period) and crown (for a 2nd award).

• Original Prussian WWI Veterans Military Medal Kyffhauser with Ribbon

Issued for participation in the WW1. The medal was instituted in 1920. Signed by Hermann Kurt Hosaeus (German sculptor and professor).