This remarkable German History of the Iron Cross collection presents a comprehensive, multi-era grouping tracing the evolution of Germany's most iconic military decoration from the 19th century through World War II. The collection includes Imperial and wartime examples spanning 1813, 1870, World War I, and World War II, all housed together in an impressive display and presentation case.
The undisputed centerpiece of the collection is the 1870 Iron Cross First Class flat pinback marked "800", a scarce Imperial award from the Franco-Prussian War. Original 1870 examples are significantly rarer than their later WWI and WWII counterparts, as far fewer were produced and surviving examples remain limited. Among collectors, the 1870 issue is often regarded as the most desirable and valuable of the Imperial Iron Cross series, making this piece the true highlight of the grouping.
Additional components include an Imperial Knight Iron Cross ribbon with a WWI Iron Cross attached, a WWI Iron Cross flat pin with curved back, a WWII Iron Cross with breast ribbon, four Iron Cross stickpins, and a rare WWI German splinter pin Iron Cross with Oak Leaves fashioned from trench-art brass bullet material. Together, these pieces represent distinct chapters in German military history and illustrate how the Iron Cross evolved in design, symbolism, and cultural significance over more than a century.
Offered here as a single, unified lot, this collection eliminates the challenge and uncertainty of sourcing individual pieces separately. It provides collectors with an exceptional, ready-made historical display anchored by the highly coveted 1870 Imperial Iron Cross. Groupings of this scope, anchored by such a scarce early example, are seldom encountered and represent a rare opportunity to acquire an entire Iron Cross narrative in one definitive acquisition.
Why Buy From Us?
5-star rated store trusted by collectors
Fast, reliable shipping
Expertly handled collectibles, always packed with care
