Prussia, Kingdom. A Rare 1870 Iron Cross II Class

(Eisernes Kreuz 1870 II. Klasse). Reinstituted 19 July 1870 by King Wilhelm I. (1870-1871 issue). Constructed of iron and silver, on loop for suspension with its period original ribbon mounted on a trapezoidal bar with a black wool reverse liner and horizontal pinback, consisting of a Cross Pattée with a blackened magnetic iron core within a ribbed silver frame, the obverse with a central initial “W”, the six o’clock arm with a reinstitution date of “1870”, the twelve o’clock arm with a royal crown, the reverse with three central oak leaves, the six o’clock arm with an initial institution date of “1813”, the twelve o’clock arm with initials “FW” topped by a royal crown, unmarked, measuring 42.24 mm (w) x 46.53 mm (h), weighing 17.0 grams, a scarce decoration in extremely fine condition.