Germany, Imperial. An 1870 Iron Cross, II Class, c.1900

(Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse). A 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 re-institution 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 crown on the upper arm, with FW in equally raised lettering directly below, measuring 40.98 mm (w) x 41.15 mm (h), weighing 18.8 grams, on loop for suspension from period original Austrian-style ribbon, and in near very fine condition.