Iron Cross Review

[Fritz]

Decided to make a summary of all Iron Crosses in the collection, just to make it nice and simple for everyone

Iron Cross 2nd Class, 1870, 2 examples, one with Jubilee oakleaf, 1895 (with broken core)

Iron Cross 1st Class, 2 examples, silver by S & W = Sy & Wagner, Berlin, other unmarked, convex with broad needle, similar to Deumer, but has a broad squarish pin.
Has since been confirmed as Deumer by Sascha Wöschler.

Iron Cross 2nd Class 1914, 3 examples, unmarked, last example on non-combattant ribbon, removed from a medal bar.

A 1914 unmarked 1st class Iron Cross, convex form, broad pin, remains of original finish on rear, the frame is made with a high but not sterling silver content. Core is iron with a worn enamel finish, this is a different finish to standard, being a thin, vitreous enamel.

A group to a former colonial soldier, later in the civil service. With Kolonialdenkmünze and bar "Ponape 1910/11", which was a revolt on a small south sea island in the Pacific. He also took part in WW1, receiving the Iron Cross 2nd class (and possibly further decorations), later with the 1914-18 Ehrenkreuz, 1934 and the Treue Dienst Auszeichnung for 25 years service (civil). Mounted on dark green backing, possibly originally from a Jäger-Bataillon, or Ostasiatisches Jäger-Bataillon as stationed in China.

An Iron Cross 1st Class from 1939, with an original case. Back is engraved P.S. - 4.I.41, being the date. No maker's mark.

The original case, lined in champagne coloured velvet and white silk lid.

An Iron Cross 2nd Class 1939 to a Luftwaffe soldier or more likely, airman, with medal for 4 years service (probably an NCO, Feldwebel/Oberfeldwebel) and Sudetenland Medal. With matching ribbon bar.

Iron Cross 2nd Class 1939, maker's 65 with much original finish and 3, signs of age, ribbon replaced

Wiederholungsspange für EK 14 2. Klasse, 1939, correctly worn as buttonhole decoration, removed from a uniform. Highlights have lost their original finish.

 

[Fritz]

Iron Crosses in a Historical Museum in Moscow.

[arathemis]

Wow that is so sad. 

[Fritz]

Looking at an Iron Cross in the Museum today, so I photographed the ring as best I could. The stamp is hard to make out, at first I thought a "c", but on second look, a form of "L" - not sure of this maker, will have to check.