2nd Class Iron Cross by Friedrich Orth

German WWII > Awards and Medals > Iron Cross Series > 2nd Class Iron Cross

Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse by Friedrich Orth of Wein. The 2nd Class Iron Cross was awarded for an act of bravery in the face of the enemy, or actions that were clearly above and beyond the call of duty. 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 washed 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 mobile swastika and “1939” to the lower arm, which is all on a black base and surrounded by a silvered ribbed/beaded row and a flat outlying border. The reverse features that same black base with a raised “1813” to the lower arm and has that same ribbed and flat outlying border. To the top is an extra large soldered-on loop which is how I identified the maker. The ring is lost to time and the owner sewed this directly to the full length ribbon. It shows typical age wear. The cross measures 1 3/4 inches wide and tall. The Iconic German Award…