{"product_id":"german-wwi-iron-cross-and-central-powers-four-award-stickpin-copy","title":"German WWI Iron Cross, Oldenburg and Wound Badge Stickpin","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"163\" data-end=\"220\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"222\" data-end=\"673\"\u003eThis is a German veteran’s four-award miniature stickpin representing the 1914 Iron Cross, an Oldenburg Friedrich August Cross, the Honor Cross of the World War 1914–1918 for Front-Line Combatants, and the German Wound Badge in Black. Although the represented military service and several of the decorations originated during the Imperial German period, the presence of the Honor Cross establishes that the assembled stickpin dates from 1934 or later.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"675\" data-end=\"1017\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"675\" data-end=\"1017\"\u003eThe four miniature decorations are arranged horizontally on a narrow metal mounting bar. A long stickpin descends vertically from the center of the group and incorporates a diagonally textured section designed to provide additional grip when worn through a civilian lapel, necktie, or other garment. The lower end terminates in a sharp point.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1019\" data-end=\"1631\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1019\" data-end=\"1631\"\u003eThe first miniature is the Eisernes Kreuz 1914, translated as the 1914 Iron Cross. It retains the characteristic blackened cross form with a silver-colored border. The obverse displays the Prussian royal crown in the upper arm, the cipher “W” for Kaiser Wilhelm II in the center, and the date “1914” in the lower arm. A single Iron Cross in a civilian miniature group is generally understood to represent the Iron Cross 2nd Class, although the precise class cannot be established from the obverse design alone because the full-size 1st and 2nd Class awards were distinguished principally by their method of wear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1633\" data-end=\"1993\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1633\" data-end=\"1993\"\u003eThe second decoration is the Friedrich-August-Kreuz, translated as the Friedrich August Cross, from the Großherzogtum Oldenburg, or Grand Duchy of Oldenburg. Its design consists of a darkened cross with the Oldenburg crown in the upper arm, the intertwined initials “FA” in the center, the date “1914” in the lower arm, and ornamental foliage between the arms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1995\" data-end=\"2310\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1995\" data-end=\"2310\"\u003eThe Friedrich August Cross was instituted by Grand Duke Friedrich August II during the First World War and awarded for military merit and wartime service. It existed in two classes. As with many miniature representations, the exact class intended by this frontal miniature cannot be confirmed from the design alone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2312\" data-end=\"2721\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2312\" data-end=\"2721\"\u003eThe third miniature is the Ehrenkreuz des Weltkrieges 1914\/1918 für Frontkämpfer, translated as the Honor Cross of the World War 1914–1918 for Front-Line Combatants. It displays the dates “1914” and “1918” within a wreath, with crossed swords behind the cross identifying the combatant grade. Commonly called the Hindenburg Cross, it was created as retrospective recognition of German First World War service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2723\" data-end=\"3015\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2723\" data-end=\"3015\"\u003eThe fourth miniature is the Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz, translated as the Wound Badge in Black. Its oval form encloses a German steel helmet above crossed swords, surrounded by a laurel wreath. The black grade was generally awarded for one or two wounds received during military service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3017\" data-end=\"3418\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3017\" data-end=\"3418\"\u003eMiniature award groups of this type were privately purchased for wear with civilian clothing. They were not separately awarded decorations but represented the wearer’s entitlement to the corresponding full-size awards. Veterans commonly wore such stickpins at reunions, military association gatherings, commemorative ceremonies, and formal social occasions where full-size medals were not appropriate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3420\" data-end=\"3821\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3420\" data-end=\"3821\"\u003eThe combination records a substantial First World War service history. The Iron Cross represented recognized military merit or bravery, while the Oldenburg Friedrich August Cross documented an additional state-level distinction. The Wound Badge indicated that the recipient had been wounded in service, and the later Honor Cross confirmed recognition as a front-line veteran of the 1914–1918 conflict.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3823\" data-end=\"4193\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3823\" data-end=\"4193\"\u003eThe miniature components appear to be manufactured from silver-colored, bronze-toned, blackened, and gilt-finished base metals. The individual decorations are secured to a horizontal backing strip, while the long stickpin is attached vertically behind the center of the group. No maker’s name, metal-content mark, ownership inscription, or named attribution is observed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4195\" data-end=\"4549\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4195\" data-end=\"4549\"\u003eThe stickpin remains in good, honestly worn condition. The 1914 Iron Cross retains its principal crown, cipher, date, blackened center, and silver-colored border, although there is visible finish loss, oxidation, and wear to the raised surfaces. The Friedrich August Cross remains readily identifiable, with age darkening and wear to its original finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4551\" data-end=\"4827\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4551\" data-end=\"4827\"\u003eThe Honor Cross retains a warm bronze-colored surface, with the dates, wreath, and crossed swords remaining distinct. The Wound Badge retains the recognizable helmet, crossed swords, and wreath design, although much of the original black finish has worn from the raised areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4829\" data-end=\"5166\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4829\" data-end=\"5166\"\u003eThe reverse displays dark age toning, oxidation, old solder residue, and localized greenish corrosion around several attachment points. All four miniature decorations remain attached. The long pin is complete and substantially straight, with its textured gripping section and pointed end intact. No conspicuous modern repair is observed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5168\" data-end=\"5395\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5168\" data-end=\"5395\"\u003eThis is a cohesive First World War veteran’s miniature group with particular interest for collectors of the 1914 Iron Cross, Oldenburg decorations, German wound badges, military miniatures, and First World War veteran insignia.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Derrittmeister Militaria Group","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50191619031279,"sku":"28-173","price":95.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0662\/9169\/5855\/files\/28-27_1_618b5e88-663d-49e3-9ee3-f2da3a7a80c1.jpg?v=1784245085","url":"https:\/\/derrittmeister.com\/products\/german-wwi-iron-cross-and-central-powers-four-award-stickpin-copy","provider":"Derrittmeister Militaria Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}