{"product_id":"german-wwi-1914-iron-cross-patriotic-porcelain-plate-with-pierced-rim","title":"German WWI 1914 Iron Cross Patriotic Porcelain Plate with Pierced Rim","description":"\u003cp\u003eA German patriotic porcelain plate decorated with the \u003cem\u003eEisernes Kreuz\u003c\/em\u003e (Iron Cross) of 1914, an oak-leaf wreath, and a ribbon bow in the national colors of the German Empire. Its decoration suggests manufacture during the First World War, circa 1914–1918, although the date on the cross identifies the award’s wartime renewal rather than independently establishing the plate’s production year. The plate measures approximately 7 inches wide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe white glazed porcelain body has an octagonal outline and a broad reticulated rim pierced with a continuous series of elongated rectangular openings. Fine gilt lines follow the outer edge and encircle the central well. Between the well and the pierced border is a repeating band of small gilt scroll ornaments, giving the plate a more elaborate treatment than a plain commemorative dish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the center is a black Iron Cross with a contrasting light outline, a crown on the upper arm, the initial “W” at the center, and “1914” on the lower arm. The “W” refers to Wilhelm II, German Emperor and King of Prussia. Green oak branches with acorns form an open wreath around the cross, tied below with a black-white-red bow, its red sections rendered in an orange-red tone. Five additional oak-leaf and acorn sprays are spaced around the central decoration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst established in Prussia in 1813, the Iron Cross was renewed by Wilhelm II in August 1914 and became one of the most recognizable emblems of Germany’s First World War experience. Its appearance on porcelain brought the imagery of military service into the civilian household. The oak wreath and imperial national colors reinforce that patriotic association. This plate belongs to that home-front commemorative tradition; it is not an award or evidence that its owner received the Iron Cross.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe reverse is plain white with a raised circular foot ring and no maker’s mark observed. The manufacturer remains unidentified. There is no dedication, recipient’s name, or unit inscription, and no individual provenance has been established.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition shows age and handling wear, including rubbing and losses to the gilt border lines and ornamental band, light surface scratching, and localized wear to the black central decoration. Small scattered surface marks and discoloration around the underside foot ring are present. The pierced border retains its decorative outline and provides an attractive frame for the surviving colored design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA compact example of Imperial German patriotic porcelain, combining the 1914 Iron Cross with oak-leaf symbolism and an openwork border. Its appeal lies in both its wartime subject and its decorative construction.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Derrittmeister Militaria Group","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51262480384239,"sku":"18-263","price":125.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0662\/9169\/5855\/files\/German-WWI-1914-Iron-Cross-Patriotic-Porcelain-Plate-with-Pierced-Rim-02.jpg?v=1792799819","url":"https:\/\/derrittmeister.com\/products\/german-wwi-1914-iron-cross-patriotic-porcelain-plate-with-pierced-rim","provider":"Derrittmeister Militaria Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}