Original German WWI Prussian Iron Cross Second Class 1914 in German-made Glass Display Dome – EKII Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Established by Frederick William in 1813 for gallantry in action, the Eisernes Kreuz (Iron Cross) 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.

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 (EK II) types is by means of a ring, and frequently this ring bears a maker’s stamp. This example however is unmarked.

This example is in wonderful condition, and has a lovely tarnished silver patina, with almost all of the original black paint retained. 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 satin fabric covering on the back. There is some wear to the fabric and velvet, but it is very nice. There is also a small plaque on the wooden base, which reads: Champagne 13.3.1915. This would indicate that the award was given for action during the First Battle of Champagne during WWI, which lasted from 20 December 1914 to 17 March 1915.

This is a fantastic chance to own a solid period example of the most iconic of all Imperial German awards, complete with a very attractive German-Made display dome! Ready to display!