German Iron Cross 1870 2nd Class, 25-Year Oak Leaves & 1914 Spange Replica

German Iron Cross Miniature 1870, 2nd Class with 25-Year Oak Leaves & 1914 Spange – Replica

Museum-style reproduction of the Imperial German Iron Cross (EK) as worn to show 1870 award, 25 years of service/wearing, and later re-award in 1914. This miniature version comes mounted on the black-white ribbon, with the silvered “25” oak leaf cluster and the 1914 Spange on top — a very attractive display piece for collectors, reenactors, or uniform restoration.

Details

• Material: Zinc alloy

• Size: approx. 42 mm × 42 mm

• Weight: approx. 15 g

• Finish: black core / silver-tone frame

• Mount: ribbon with 1914 clasp + 25-year oak leaves

• Condition: new reproduction

• Non-government issue, for collecting, study and display only

Historical background (for collectors)

• The Iron Cross was first instituted in 1813 by King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia during the wars against Napoleon.

• It was re-instituted in 1870 for the Franco-Prussian War, which is why this cross bears “1870” on the lower arm and the royal “W” and crown.

• Long-time holders could later show continued service/wearing with oak leaves marked “25”.

• In 1914, when Germany entered WWI, previous recipients could show they were decorated again or serving again by wearing a “Spange 1914” on the ribbon above the earlier cross.

• This combination (1870 cross + 25-year oak leaves + 1914 clasp) is therefore a historical, layered way of showing an earlier award that continued through later service