Original World War Two German Iron Cross Second Class Maker Marked “7” Paul Meyhauer.
On March 10, 1813, Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm III established the Iron Cross as a provisional honor to be awarded in wartime. Initially, the Iron Cross comprised three classes, including a Grand Cross designated for Senior Commanders who successfully led troops in battle, while the First and Second Classes were for individuals across all ranks recognized for acts of bravery or merit. The Iron Cross was reinstated by King Wilhelm I on July 19, 1870, during the Franco-Prussian War, and again on August 5, 1914, by King Wilhelm II for World War I. On September 1, 1939, Adolf Hitler reintroduced the Iron Cross series in the First and Second Classes and established the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross. The Second Class medal was awarded to individuals who demonstrated a singular act of valor in combat.
Produced by Paul Meyhauer, featuring a die-struck, three-piece construction combining iron and alloy. This 1939 pattern cross showcases an embossed swastika and important historical dates, emphasized by its high relief design. The intact ribbon and maker marking enhance its collectible value, making it an essential piece for collectors!
