WW1 Imperial German Iron Cross 2nd Class

The WW1 Imperial German Iron Cross 2nd Class is a military decoration awarded by the German Empire during the First World War. Established in 1914, it recognized acts of bravery, leadership, or distinguished service in combat. The cross is constructed of a blackened iron core set within a silver or silvered rim, forming a cross pattée with a suspension ring at the top. The front displays the crowned “W” monogram, the year “1914,” and the Prussian royal crown, signifying its issuance under Kaiser Wilhelm II. The reverse side features the earlier date “1813,” marking the decoration’s original creation during the Napoleonic Wars. Recipients wore the medal from a black and white ribbon, typically attached through a slot in the upper arm of the uniform. The Iron Cross 2nd Class remains a significant historical artifact, reflecting the military traditions of Imperial Germany during World War I.