Germany, Imperial. A Pair of 1914 Iron Crosses II Class, Rare Variants

(Eisernes Kreuz 1914 II. Klasse). A pair of 1914 Iron Crosses II Class, including:

1. One of one-piece zink construction, on a medal bar-style reduced loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée with a blackened core situated within a ribbed and silvered frame, the obverse with a central initial “W”, the six o’clock arm with a reinstitution date of “1914”, the twelve o’clock arm with a royal crown, the reverse with three central oak leaves, the six o’clock arm with an initial institution date of “1813”, the twelve o’clock arm with initials “FW” topped by a royal crown, unmarked but demonstrating the characteristics of manufacture by Petz & Lorenz, Pforzheim, measuring 44.98 mm (w) x 49.11 mm (h), weighing 24.7 grams, demonstrating minor and age-appropriate loss of finish, a rare example in better than very fine condition.

2. One constructed of iron and silver, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée with a blackened magnetic iron core within a ribbed silver frame, the obverse with a central initial “W”, the six o’clock arm with a reinstitution date of “1914”, the twelve o’clock arm with initials “FW” topped by a royal crown, the reverse with three central oak leaves, the six o’clock arm with an initial institution date of “1813”, the twelve o’clock arm with initials “FW” topped by a royal crown, the suspension loop maker marked “CD800” indicating manufacture by Carl Dillenius, Pforzheim, measuring 42.66 mm (w) x 47.78 mm (h), weighing 17.7 grams, a high-quality example in near extremely fine condition.