Germany, Imperial. A 1870 Iron Cross II Class

(1914 Eisernes Kreuz II. Klasse) Reinstituted by Kaiser Wilhelm I 19 July 1870. (1914-1918 Issue). An 1870 Iron Cross Second Class, presenting as a Cross Pattée of multi-piece construction with a blackened iron core (magnetic) within a ribbed silver border, on loop for suspension from its period correct replacement ribbon, the obverse with a raised central “W”, with the reinstitution date “1870” in raised numbering on the lower arm, and the royal crown on the upper arm; the reverse with a central oak leaf branch consisting of three oak leaves, with the original institution date “1813” in raised numbers on the lower arm, a raised Prussian crown on the upper arm, with “FW” in raised lettering directly below, unmarked, measuring 41.22 (w) x 446.93 mm (h), weighing 14.3 grams, evidence of period repair to suspension, otherwise in better than very fine condition.