Posted 13 years ago
stepback_a…
(363 items)
This WW I Iron Cross was found in a junk box at a garage sale. It still has the original full length ribbon attached, along with the original pin. On the obverse is a Prussian crown, a W, which represents Kaiser Wilhelm, and 1914, which is the year that the war started. The reverse again has a Prussian crown over an FW, which stands for Fredrich Wilhelm III, a sprig of oak leaves, and the year 1813, the year Germany fought the French army, led by Napoleon. The manufacturers code is stamped into the suspension ring. In the photo, the Unteroffizier is wearing his newly awarded Iron Cross 2nd class in the prescribed manner, which is through the second buttonhole of his tunic.
How do you tell a real iron coss from a fake/reproduction? I have one that I bought 20 years ago, but I do not know what it is worth. Any help that you can provide would be appreciated. Thanks.
Ed, check to see if the core is magnetic, it should be. Look at the details, are they crisp or blurred? Does the piece show age and use? Is the ribbon stiff or soft and silky? Does the ring have a manufacturer code?, not all of them did. Look at and examine as many pieces as you can and in time you will have gained experience in knowing what is original and reproduction. Because of the poor market right now one can get an original WW I Iron Cross for about $50.00. There are many good fakes out there right now that will fool even the most experienced collectors. I hope this helped.