Miniature 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. Recipients of the 1870 Iron Cross who were still in service in 1895 were authorized to purchase and wear above the cross a 'Jubiläumsspange', a 25-year jubilee clasp consisting of the numerals "25" on three oak leaves. The second class medal was for award to personnel who performed a single act of bravery in combat. The miniature is sewn to small pieces of ribbon. Attached a handwritten paper tag 'Ordensbänder von Väterchen getragen' (Medal ribbons worn by Father). Decorative original 1870 miniature!