An example of an Iron Cross 1870; 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 vertical pinback, a barrel hinge, and a round wire catch; maker marked “Wagner & Sohn”, and engraved “Von Unruhe”, as well as “44 Löth” for the unit he served in; measuring 41.66 mm (w) x 41.60 mm (h); weighing 16.6 grams; the core of the cross cracked in three places around the “W”; in overall near very fine condition. (C:213)
Footnote: Karl Rudolph Ferdinand von Unruhe was born on October 8, 1834 in Jethe (eastern Germany). He joined the Prussian army at an unknown date. By 1854 he was a Second Lieutenant in the 9th Infantry Regiment. He went on to serve as adjutant in several units before being promoted to First Lieutenant in 1860. Unruhe took part in the Austro-Prussian War of 1866 and fought in the Battle of Königgrätz for which he was awarded the Red Eagle Order 4th Class with Swords. On October 30, 1866 he was promoted to Hauptmann (Captain) and appointed Commander of the 11th Company of Infantry Regiment No. 76. In 1870 Unruhe served in the General Staff of the 2nd Army Corps. During the Franco-Prussian War of 1870/71 he took part in the siege of Metz and Paris, among other endeavours, and received both classes of the Iron Cross. On October 30, 1871 he was promoted to Major. In 1877 Unruhe became an Oberstleutnant (Lieutenant Colonel), he was appointed Chief of General Staff of the 9th Army Corps, and in 1881 he was promoted to Oberst (Colonel). His final command was of the Emperor Alexander Guard Grenadier Regiment No. 1 in Berlin. However, due to a heart condition Unruhe had to give up his command in early 1886. For his achievements he was awarded the Prussian Order of the Crown 2nd Class. He was promoted to Major General in early 1887 and finally officially retired in 1890. Among his decorations were the Red Eagle Order 3rd Class with Ribbon and Swords on Ring and the Commander’s Cross of the Order of Franz Joseph. Unruhe died on January 2nd, 1892.