Cased Imperial 2nd Class Iron Cross by Fr.

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Imperial Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse im Etui by Friedländer of Berlin. The Imperial Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse was reauthorized by Emperor Wilhelm II on 5 August 1914 and was for award to personnel who performed a single act of bravery in combat. 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 frame is constructed out of a nickel-silver base that has been silver washed. 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 - institution date August 5th 1914), which is all on a black base and surrounded by a silvered ribbed/beaded row and a flat outlying border. The reverse features a centrally placed three piece oak leaf and acorn cluster, below “FW” (cypher for King Friedrich Wilhelm III) and a Kings crown and is above “1813”, and is all surrounded by that same ribbed and flat border. To the top is a soldered on loop and maker marked ring which reads: “Fr.” and holds 15 inches of original period silk like ribbon. The ribbon shows minor soilage. The award looks awesome. The award comes housed in a privately purchased case. The case is constructed out of a wood and pressed cardboard base that is covered in a simulated black leatherette. The top features a silver foil outline of a 1st Class Iron Cross below an arched “Dem Verdienst”. The interior lid is lined in a teal satin and has an underlying pad. The bottom interior of the case is constructed out of a cardboard base that is covered in a bluevelvet material that outlines a pin, hinge and catch assembly. To the very front is a round steel push button and the back features two steel piano hinges. One of the hinges is missing its hinge pin. I am sure you could put a needle in there. The case shows minor scuffs and age throughout. The case measures 2 ¾ inches wide and 3 7/8 inches deep and 3/4 of an inch thick. A great assembly!