Germany, States. A Fine 1870 Iron Cross Award Chain

An exceptional and very rare miniature decoration chain, consisting of two rows of fine woven silver threads, with locks along the chain attached to 14 medals & decorations, issued for gallantry, loyalty and bravery during the War with Denmark, the Austro-Prussian War and the Franco-Prussian War. From left to right, the chain is composed of:

1. An unbodied Anhalt Order of Albert the Bear, Civil Division, miniature Knight in silver, measuring 12.70 mm (w) x 17.85 mm (h - inclusive integral ball), presenting minor toned silver.

2. A House Order of Saxe-Ernestine, miniature Knight in silver and enamels, measuring 13.16 mm (w) x 23.29 mm (h - inclusive of crown suspension), with minor loss of gilt on the reverse and bent ball finials, otherwise extremely fine.

3. A Mecklenburg-Schwerin Order of the Griffin, Civil Division, miniature Knight in silver gilt and enamel, measuring 16.86 mm (w) x 17.74 mm (h), with loss of gilt on the reverse, intact enamel, extremely fine.

4. A Mecklenburg-Schwerin Military Merit Cross, Type V (for the Franco-Prussian War - 1870), miniature II Class in bronze gilt, measuring 14.05 mm (w) x 16.28 mm (h - inclusive of integral ring), presenting light contact.

5. A superb Austrian Order of Leopold with War Decoration, miniature Knight in Gold and enamels, measuring 14.83 mm (w) x 25.48 mm (h - inclusive of crown suspension), intact enamel, with a slightly bent arm, extremely fine.

6. A finely engraved Prussian King Wilhelm Honor Medal, in bronze gilt, measuring 15.33 mm in diameter, light contact.

7. A Prussian War Medal for the War with Denmark, I Class, in bronze gilt, 15.30 mm in diameter, finely engraved, light contact.

8. A Prussian commemorative Cross for the Austria War (1866), for Combatants, in bronze gilt, measuring 15.33 mm (w) x 15.70 mm (h), light contact.

9. A finely engraved Prussian Campaign Medal for Combatants, in bronze gilt, measuring 15.28 in diameter, light contact.

10. An 1864 Prussian Dybbol Storm Medal, in silver, measuring 14.22 in diameter, light contact.

11. An Austria Military Long Service decoration, Type I, I Class, for 20 years of service, in bronze, measuring 14.47 mm (w) x 14.55 mm (h), minor toned silver, very fine.

12. A fine Prussian Order of the Crown, Civil Division, Type II, model II, in bronze gilt and enamel, measuring 14.78 mm (w) x 15.20 mm (h), minor loss of gilt, very fine.

13. A superb Order of the Red Eagle, Civil Division, Type V, in silver gilt and enamel, with unusual crown suspension, measuring 16.56 mm (w) x 26.17 mm (h), presenting enamel lost on the reverse, otherwise very fine.

14. Finally, a Prussian Iron Cross, Model II (1870), measuring 13.80 mm (w) x 14.21 mm (h), with enameling, very fine.