Original Item: Only One Available. Established by Prussian King Frederick William III in 1813 for gallantry in action, the Eisernes Kreuz (Iron Cross) decoration was revived several times for later conflicts. The bulk of the issues are divided into 1st and 2nd class versions, but a rare and superior 'Grand Cross' was also awarded for successful field commanders. During WWI the lower decoration was freely awarded with 5½ million second class types issued. Originally, the Iron Cross was an award of the Kingdom of Prussia, however given Prussia's pre-eminent place in the German Empire formed in 1871, it became an award for all of Germany.

This is a very good example of the Imperial German / Prussian Iron Cross second class, made by Louis Werner of Berlin, Germany, marked L W on the hanger ring. This example is as it was awarded, complete with the original black & white ribbon, and with the original case, and even the original award document!

The light blue case has an image of the 1914 Iron Cross on it, and measures approximately 2 1/2"W x 4 1/4"H x 3/4". The top is also marked Dank des Vaterlandes., which translates to "Thanks to the fatherland." Inside the case is an additional message in German Black Letter typeface on the lid underside:

This translates to "In memory of Germany's great times". The case is really in great shape, with light wear to the exterior, and a great interior. The bottom is inset for the Iron Cross and the ribbon, and the satin lid is in great shape as well.

The included award certificate reads Vorläufiger Ausweis "Provisional Identification", and names the Iron Cross to Ers. Res. Albert Döhrmann, indicating that they were most like an "Ersatz" (replacement) soldier, given a temporary rank. They were part of the 8. Komp. Braunsch. Inf. Reg. 92, or the 8th Company, 92nd (Brunswick) Infantry. The document indicates that the award was issued in the field on 18. 4. 1918. The award document is in good shape, but does have creasing and age toning. It was most likely stored inside of the case for the award for some time. There is some tape on creases holding it together.

The basic design of the WW1 crosses is a central cross patee struck from iron and mounted in a silver frame which has a raised crenulated decorative border. The obverse of the cross bears the date 1914 under the crowned W monogram of Kaiser Wilhelm II. The reverse has the correct crowned FW monogram for Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm III, over a sprig of Oak Leaves, with 1813 at the bottom. The top of the cross has a hanger ring to attach to the ribbon. This differs from the first class award, which has an unmarked back with an attachment pin.

Please note the edge seam for authentication, which is not present on reproductions. Iron crosses were commonly constructed from an iron core sandwiched in a surrounding two part silver frame, normally the seam of these two silver parts is visible around the edge of the cross as is seen on this fine example. This example is a "flat' style Iron Cross. Others could be quite "Vaulted" in shape. The silver has a great aged patina, and the painted central has almost all of the paint, with the expected checking and crazing from age.

This is a fantastic chance to own a great cased example of the most iconic of all Imperial German awards, still with the original award certificate. Ready to display!