Germany, Imperial. An 1870 Iron Cross II Class

(Eisernes Kreuz 1870 II. Klasse). Reinstated 19 July 1870 by King Wilhelm I. (1870-1871 issue). Constructed of iron and silver, 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 40.95 mm (w) x 46.06 mm (h), weighing 16.8 grams, with some nicking and distortion of the frame evident in addition to minor loss of core finish, in near extremely fine condition.