German WWI Iron Cross 1914 2nd Class-This is a very clean example. Take a look at the black finish on the iron core, it is beautiful. The silver frame is darkly toned giving this award a good look. This comes with an original portion of ribbon that is also very clean. Overall, this is in near excellent condition.
History: Iron Cross (EK 1914) was a continuation of the military decoration first established in 1813. Though technically a Prussian award, it served as the primary German decoration for bravery during the conflict.
The 1914 series maintained three traditional classes based on the severity of the feat:
- Second Class (EK II): Awarded for bravery in a single action. Over 5,196,000 were issued during the war.
- First Class (EK I): Required the prior award of the Second Class and continued merit. Approximately 218,000 were issued.
- Grand Cross: Reserved for high-ranking generals who made strategic decisions affecting the war's outcome. Only five were awarded (to Kaiser Wilhelm II, Hindenburg, Ludendorff, Prince Leopold of Bavaria, and von Mackensen).
- Star of the Grand Cross: A unique, higher honor awarded only once in 1914 to Field Marshal Paul von Hindenburg in 1918.