Imperial 2nd Class Iron Cross

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A great looking Imperial Iron Cross 2nd Class! It is a multi-piece, die struck construction that has been soldered together. The single piece core is constructed out of an iron metal base that has been black enamel painted. The two piece frame is constructed out of a nickel silver base that has been silver plated and polished. A final protectant lacquer was applied over the entire award. The obverse features; a pattée style cross that has a centrally placed embossed "W" (cypher for King Wilhelm II), below a Kings crown (top arm) and above "1914" (lower arm), which is all on a black base and surrounded by a silvered ribbed/beaded row and a flat outlying border. The reverse shows a centrally placed three piece oak leaf and acorn cluster, below a "FW" (cypher for King Friedrich Wilhelm III) and a Kings crown and is above "1813", and is all surrounded by that same border. To the top is a soldered on tombak loop which holds approximately 4 inches of black and white original rayon ribbon. The paint is in great condition! It shows minor dirt and wear. The plated border has most of the lacquer retained. Based upon the shape of this cross this one is most likely a 3rd Reich era replacement. The cross measures approximately 1 ¾ inches wide and tall.