Prussia, State. A Grand Cross of the Iron Cross 1870 Flag Box Appliqué

This is an interesting and certainly unique piece - a Prussian Grand Cross of the Iron Cross 1870 (“Großkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes 1870”) to be fastened onto the box in which the Prussian flag was stored. It is in the shape of a silver cross pattée of multi-piece construction with a blackened iron core (magnetic) within a ribbed border; the obverse with a raised central “W”, with the original institution date “1870” in raised numbering on the lower arm, and the royal crown in high relief on the upper arm; the reverse plain, with some light remains where a maker’s sticker was once places, as well as the remains of four prongs - likely broken off when the cross was removed from the box; unmarked; measuring 58.12 mm x 58.29 mm; weighing 34.5 grams; with attractive old patina from age, and only limited wear to the black finish of the core; in overall near extremely fine condition.