Prussia. An Iron Cross II Class, c. 1870

(Eisernes Kreuz II Klasse). Instituted 10 March 1813 by King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia and reinstituted 18 July 1870 by King Wilhelm I. 1870-1871 Issue. An Iron Cross with magnetic iron core, silver frame, black patina, crown on obverse 12 o’clock arm, “1870” on obverse 6 o’clock arm, “W” on obverse centre which stands for Wilhelm, crowned cipher “FW” on reverse 12 o’clock arm, “1813” on reverse 6 o’clock arm, oak branch on reverse centre, unmarked, measuring 42.62 mm (w) x 46.10 mm (h), weighing 17.6 g, on black ribbon with narrow white stripes, very fine.