German WW1 Iron Cross | Second Class

The Iron Cross Second Class was a widely awarded German military decoration issued for acts of bravery and meritorious service during World War I. The medal takes the form of a cross pattée with a black iron core, typically bearing the crowned cipher of Kaiser Wilhelm II on the upper arm, an oak leaf cluster in the center, and the date 1914 on the lower arm, marking the year the award was reinstated for the war. Unlike the First Class version, this decoration was suspended from a ribbon and worn through the buttonhole of the uniform tunic, making it visually distinct while still clearly part of the same award system.

The decoration was awarded in very large numbers throughout the war and served as the foundational level of the Iron Cross system, since soldiers generally had to receive the Second Class before becoming eligible for the First Class. It could be awarded to soldiers of any rank, reinforcing the idea that bravery and service, rather than social class, were being recognized. The Iron Cross had deep roots in Prussian and later German military tradition, and during the First World War the Second Class became one of the most recognizable symbols of German military service and wartime recognition.

Ancient Artifacts guarantees the Authenticity of items sold through a three layer system of protection: 

1. Ancient Artifacts exclusively sources artifacts from trusted and reputable antique distributors, many of whom have been selling Artifacts for decades.  
2. Next, the Artifact is inspected by an expert team member, who is professionally trained in counterfeit detection After the artifact passes inspection, the Certificate of Authenticity is signed and the Artifact is packaged. 
3. Finally, Ancient Artifacts gives an additional layer of protection by promising a full refund with no questions asked, in the extremely unlikely event that a counterfeit slips through our vetting process.

You will receive the exact medal shown in the photos. This one is missing the ribbon ring, as pictured.

After the war, these medals were typically retained by the soldiers who were awarded them, often remaining with uniforms, documents, and other personal effects. Over time many stayed within family estates, while others were dispersed as veteran belongings were sold, inherited, or absorbed into larger militaria collections. Most examples encountered today originate from these original issued awards that later entered the secondary militaria market. From there they pass through specialized dealers and auctions, where they are identified, cataloged, and associated with German military service during World War I.