Germany, Imperial. An 1870 Iron Cross II Class with 25th Jubilee Clasp

(Eisernes Kreuz 1870 II. Klasse mit Jubiläumsspange 25). Instituted 19 July 1870 by King Wilhelm I. (1870-71 issue; Jubilee Clasp 1895 issue). Constructed of iron and silver, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, 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, with a 25th Jubilee Clasp pinned to the ribbon through the suspension loop, unmarked, the cross measuring 43.42 mm (w) x 47.37 mm (h), the clasp measuring 25.62 mm (w) x 17.33 mm (h), weighing 20.7 grams overall, a superb example in extremely fine condition.