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German Iron Cross 1870 2nd Class, 25-Year Oak Leaves & 1914 Spange
$79.00
Product details
display-style reproduction of the Imperial German Iron Cross (EK) as worn to show 1870 award, 25 years of service/wearing, and later re-award in 1914. This miniature version comes mounted on the black-white ribbon, with the silvered “25” oak leaf cluster and the 1914 Spange on top — a very attractive display piece for collectors, reenactors, or uniform restoration.
- Material: Zinc alloy
- Size: approx. 42 mm × 42 mm
- Weight: approx. 15 g
- Finish: black core / silver-tone frame
- Mount: ribbon with 1914 clasp + 25-year oak leaves
- Non-government issue, for collecting, study and display only
- The Iron Cross was first instituted in 1813 by King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia during the wars against Napoleon.
- It was re-instituted in 1870 for the Franco-Prussian War, which is why this cross bears “1870” on the lower arm and the royal “W” and crown.
- Long-time holders could later show continued service/wearing with oak leaves marked “25”.
- In 1914, when Germany entered WWI, previous recipients could show they were decorated again or serving again by wearing a “Spange 1914” on the ribbon above the earlier cross.
- This combination (1870 cross + 25-year oak leaves + 1914 clasp) is therefore a historical, layered way of showing an earlier award that continued through later service.
- This is a modern reproduction for historical display, study, theater/reenactment, and collection purposes.
- It is not an original 19th/early 20th century piece and does not represent or promote any political ideology.
- Minor differences in finish/ribbon/markings may occur between small batches.