WW1 Imperial German Iron Cross 2nd Class Maker Marked Full Size

The WW1 Imperial German Iron Cross 2nd Class is a military decoration instituted by the Kingdom of Prussia and widely awarded throughout the German Empire during the First World War. This full-size example consists of a maltese cross with a blackened iron core, surrounded by a silvered frame. The obverse features a crowned “W” cypher, standing for Kaiser Wilhelm II, above the year “1914,” indicating its issue during the First World War. The reverse displays the Royal Cypher of King Friedrich Wilhelm III and the date “1813,” marking the original institution of the Iron Cross. This particular specimen is maker marked, denoting authenticity and enabling identification of its original manufacturer. The Iron Cross 2nd Class was awarded for acts of bravery, leadership, or military merit. It was typically worn suspended from a ribbon on the recipient’s tunic. This decoration remains a notable artifact from WW1 military history.