Carton 1870 Iron Cross 2nd class (Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse). The Iron Cross was a military decoration in the Kingdom of Prussia. It was established by King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia and first awarded on 10 March 1813 during the Napoleonic Wars. King Wilhelm I of Prussia authorized further awards on 19 July 1870, during the Franco-Prussian War. The second class cross was for award to personnel who performed a single act of bravery in combat. This is a 1870 model Iron Cross 2nd class, made of carboard. The cross is approximately 42mm wide and corresponds to actual sizes. These cardboard crosses probably served for decorative purposes. Decorative original piece!