Germany, Imperial. An 1870 Iron Cross II Class with 25th Jubilee Clasp

(Eisernes Kreuz 1870 II. Klasse mit Jubiläumsspange 25). Instituted 19 July 1870 by King Wilhelm I. (1870-71 issue; Jubilee Clasp 1895 issue). Constructed of iron and silver, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée with a blackened magnetic iron core within a ribbed silver frame, the obverse with a central initial “W”, the six o’clock arm with a reinstitution date of “1870”, the twelve o’clock arm with a royal crown, the reverse with three central oak leaves, the six o’clock arm with an initial institution date of “1813”, the twelve o’clock arm with initials “FW” topped by a royal crown, with a 25th Jubilee Clasp pinned to the ribbon through the suspension loop, unmarked, the cross measuring 42.32 mm (w) x 46.65 mm (h), the clasp measuring 25.33 mm (w) x 17.50 mm (h), weighing 19.3 grams overall, the frame of the cross has separated along the seams of the three and twelve o’clock arms and the core demonstrates minor surface oxidation, in overall very fine condition.