Germany, Wehrmacht. A 1914 Iron Cross Ii Class, With 1939 Clasp By Friedrich Orth

(Eisernes Kreuz 1914 II. Klasse mit Spange 1939). Reinstituted 5 August 1914; clasp instituted 1 September 1939. (1940-1945 issue). 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 a royal crown, the revere 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, measuring 42.48 mm (w) x 46.06 mm (h), weighing 17.6 grams, in extremely fine condition, the ribbon pinned with a 1939 Clasp, second pattern, constructed of silvered zink, the obverse consisting of a Wehrmacht eagle perched on top of a wreathed mobile swastika, in turn situated on top of a trapezoidal plaque bearing a raised date of “1939”, the reverse with all four attachment prongs intact, maker marked with LDO code “L/14” for Friedrich Orth, Vienna, measuring 30.05 mm (w) x 30.74 mm (h), with moderate loss of silver finish evident, in very fine condition.

Footnote: According to “The Spange for the Iron Cross 2. Class” (Dietrich Maerz, 2020, pages 101-106), compelling but as of yet inconclusive evidence suggests that Friedrich Orth-produced clasps could be postwar reproductions.