#98 • German World War I 1914 Iron Cross 2nd Class Medals: Lot of Four

Part of British & World Medals (live auction by Bannerman Auctions)

High bid $200.00

Status: Sold

German World War I 1914 Iron Cross 2nd Class Medals: Lot of Four. German World War I 1914 Iron Cross 2nd Class Medals: Lot of FourGrouping of 4 German World War I period Iron Cross, 2nd Class medals. All medals exhibit some wear and tarnish with one maker marked on ring "KO" one maker marked on ring "N" and two unmarked. All medals exhibit proper ribbons (some with wear). Estimate: $300 - $400 Historical Background: The Iron Cross, 2nd Class (Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse) was a distinguished military decoration awarded by the Kingdom of Prussia and later the German Empire for acts of bravery, military merit, or command achievements during wartime. Specifically, the World War I version was re-established by Kaiser Wilhelm II on August 5, 1914, at the outbreak of the conflict. It was awarded to personnel of all ranks, from common soldiers to high-ranking officers, who demonstrated exceptional courage or rendered valuable services to the war effort, though the criteria for the 2nd Class were generally less stringent than those for the 1st Class. This iconic medal, typically worn suspended from a black ribbon with white borders, became a powerful symbol of German military service during the Great War.