Germany. An Iron Cross 1914 Second Class, Austrian Ribbon
An “Eisernes Kreuz 1914 2. Klasse”; a cross pattée of multi-piece construction with a blackened iron core (magnetic) within a ribbed border; on loop for suspension - marked “EW” (an unknown maker); with its mint and unissued period original tri-fold ribbon the obverse with a raised central “W”, with the re-institution date “1914” 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 equally raised lettering directly below; measuring 43.10 mm (w) x 43.52 mm (h); weighing 18.4 grams; with attractive patina on the core from age but the paint on the core extremely well preserved; in overall better than very fine condition.

