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. This is a true 1870 period produced example, the cross has a three piece construction and has a magnetic core. The cross is not visible maker marked but it's having a die-flaw at the number '7', very likely indicating manufacture by the company of 'Godet' from Berlin. The cross is complete with an original Austrian style ribbon having a jubilee spange attached. Typical Iron Cross from the award period in good condition, rare original 19th century cross!