1870 Iron Cross 2nd Class – Authentic Franco-Prussian War Award

The Iron Cross 2nd Class (Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse) was one of the most revered military decorations in German history. Established by King Wilhelm I of Prussia on July 19, 1870, it was awarded to soldiers for acts of bravery during the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871), which led to the unification of Germany under Prussian leadership. This version retains the original 1813 date on the reverse, commemorating its creation during the Napoleonic Wars under King Friedrich Wilhelm III.

The Iron Cross became a symbol of German military valor, later reissued in 1914 and 1939. However, the 1870 version remains significantly rarer, as it was awarded to a much smaller number of soldiers than later iterations.

Design & Features

This authentic 1870 Iron Cross 2nd Class showcases the traditional design:

• Front (Obverse):
  • Crowned “W” (for King Wilhelm I) at the center
  • Date “1870” at the bottom, marking the war’s beginning
• Reverse (Back):
  • “FW” (Friedrich Wilhelm III) at the top, commemorating the first Iron Cross of 1813
  • An oak leaf cluster symbolizing strength and military courage
  • Date “1813” at the bottom, referring to the original Napoleonic-era award

Crafted with a silver frame and an iron core, this piece was produced with the highest-quality materials of the era. The silver frame has developed a natural patina, while the iron core maintains its blackened finish, with some signs of age-appropriate wear.

Authenticity & Construction

This example has been thoroughly inspected for authenticity and aligns with known period features:

• Correct two-piece construction – The silver frame is soldered around the iron core, as expected for original 1870 pieces.
• Magnetic Iron Core – A hallmark of genuine examples, the center attracts a magnet, confirming proper wartime materials.
• Sharp Beading & Lettering – Authentic examples have crisp details, unlike reproductions with soft or poorly defined markings.
• Natural Patina – The silver frame exhibits expected oxidation, and the core shows minor period wear, consistent with its age.
• No Modern Casting – Careful examination reveals no evidence of postwar reproduction casting techniques, ensuring its legitimacy.

Condition

• Overall, this piece is in excellent condition for its age, with only minor wear expected from over 150 years of history.
• Silver frame remains intact, with appropriate patina.
• Iron core retains its original black finish, with no major rust or damage.
• Loop attachment is original and firmly in place, suitable for suspension.

Collector’s Value & Rarity

• The 1870 Iron Cross 2nd Class is significantly rarer than its 1914 counterpart, as it was only awarded during the brief Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871).
• Surviving examples in original condition are highly sought after, especially with period patina.
• Comparable verified sales range between $XXX – $XXX, depending on condition and provenance.

This authentic 1870 Iron Cross would be a centerpiece in any Imperial German militaria collection, an excellent addition for serious collectors, historians, or museums dedicated to 19th-century military history.