Germany, Imperial. A Superb 1870 Grand Cross of the Iron Cross, Exhibition Example, c. 1900

(Großkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes 1870, Museumsstück). Constructed of iron and silver, 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 “1870”, 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, the twelve o’clock arm with an integral loop and dual suspension rings retaining a period original shortened length of neck ribbon, unmarked, measuring 62.22 mm (w) x 67.71 mm (h), weighing 39.5 grams, a superb museum exhibition example demonstrating commensurate quality of manufacture in extremely fine condition.