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G002959 1870 GRAND CROSS OF THE IRON CROSS. (1870 Groß Kreuz des Eisernnen Kreuzes)
BACKGROUND: The Grand Cross was the highest class of the Iron Cross awarded to victorious Generals in the Prussian military. Instituted on March 10, 1813 during the Napoleonic Wars. It was re-instituted in 1870 for the Franco-Prussian War, in 1914 (World War One) and again in 1939. A total of nine Grand Crosses where awarded during the Franco-Prussian War.
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: 1870 pattern, die struck, three piece, iron and silver alloy construction Groß Kreuz with a single piece iron core and two piece silver alloy frame. The obverse of the cross features an embossed, central "W" cypher for King Wilhelm II, re-institution date, "1870", to the bottom arm and a King's crown to the top arm. The reverse of the cross features an embossed, central, oak-leaf cluster, with the "FW" cypher for King Friedrich Wilhelm III, a King's crown to the top arm and the original institution date, "1813", to the bottom arm. All the emblems are in nice high relief. The black finish to the magnetic center is retained about 75%. The ribbon suspension loop is a separate piece, soldered to the top arm. Heavy silver wire suspension loop. The single strand of silver wire is formed into a dual elongated oval loop and is deeply stamped with the silver content, "900". Loop shows light age tarnish. Cross measures approximately 63mm x 63mm. The cross itself is unmarked. It is important to note that this is not an issue piece as all of the original awarded examples are accounted for. This example is a early display copy that most probably dates from the 1914 to 1918 period. Would have been used for displays in museums and similar activities.
GRADE **** PRICE $3,570.00
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