1870 Iron Cross 2nd Class
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, this is an early Type-A core from the award period. The cross is not visible maker marked. There is an old repair to the suspension loop, see photos. The cross is complete with an original WW1 period ribbon as found together. Typical Iron Cross from the award period in good used condition, rare original 19th century cross!
