Hey,
Has anyone seen the 1870 IC on Bill Shea's site? I was wondering if anyone could determine if this was an 1870 produced piece or later product..perhaps WWI. Also is it possible that an individual would have had just one medal (I.e. the IC) and no other capmaign medals?
Gary B
http://www.therupturedduck.com/WebPa...Iron%20Crosses
M-200 Iron Cross Second Class 1870 Version with Rare 25-Year Jubilee Oak Leaf “Spange”; Parade Mount – Scarce and Choice
This is an incredible award, and exceedingly rare with the stamped, nickel silver finished three-oakleaf “Jubiläumsspange” between the cross and the ribbon. The black “eggshell” enamel on the core is in excellent condition, with a slight gloss to some areas. The nickel/silver frame has a superb light patina. The detail on the entire center (Prussian Imperial crown, “W” for “Wilhelm” and date “1870”) is crisp, and the oak leaves, crown and date “1814” on the reverse are also a full excellent. The mounting ring normally fixed to the top edge of the cross is hidden on this example by a large, slightly convex set of three oak leaves - these are the anniversary Spange created by Kaiser (Emperor) Wilhelm himself in 1895, as an award for Veterans on the 25-year jubilee (anniversary) of the 1870-71 Franco-Prussian War. The leaves are handsome with a large raised center leaf superimposed over two smaller leaves that project out and upward to each side (this may have perhaps been the precedent for the design of the WWII Oak Leaves to the Knights Cross). The leaves are made of stamped tin, but they are superbly sculpted and the detail is magnificent. The finish is toned very dark. The anniversary number “25” stands out quite clearly. The oak leaves are perfectly centered and very firmly attached to the two-strand white/ black / white / black parade mount award ribbon (which is quite stiff). The ribbon arrangement is absolute perfection, with the outward curve to the white bands nearly mirror image on each side. The reverse of the stiffened ribbon has a red felt backing, which has some light tracking and a few small holes. The heavy duty mounting pin functions smoothly with a smooth swing once released from the catch. A truly choice example of a very scarce jubilee Iron Cross
Has anyone seen the 1870 IC on Bill Shea's site? I was wondering if anyone could determine if this was an 1870 produced piece or later product..perhaps WWI. Also is it possible that an individual would have had just one medal (I.e. the IC) and no other capmaign medals?
Gary B
http://www.therupturedduck.com/WebPa...Iron%20Crosses
M-200 Iron Cross Second Class 1870 Version with Rare 25-Year Jubilee Oak Leaf “Spange”; Parade Mount – Scarce and Choice
This is an incredible award, and exceedingly rare with the stamped, nickel silver finished three-oakleaf “Jubiläumsspange” between the cross and the ribbon. The black “eggshell” enamel on the core is in excellent condition, with a slight gloss to some areas. The nickel/silver frame has a superb light patina. The detail on the entire center (Prussian Imperial crown, “W” for “Wilhelm” and date “1870”) is crisp, and the oak leaves, crown and date “1814” on the reverse are also a full excellent. The mounting ring normally fixed to the top edge of the cross is hidden on this example by a large, slightly convex set of three oak leaves - these are the anniversary Spange created by Kaiser (Emperor) Wilhelm himself in 1895, as an award for Veterans on the 25-year jubilee (anniversary) of the 1870-71 Franco-Prussian War. The leaves are handsome with a large raised center leaf superimposed over two smaller leaves that project out and upward to each side (this may have perhaps been the precedent for the design of the WWII Oak Leaves to the Knights Cross). The leaves are made of stamped tin, but they are superbly sculpted and the detail is magnificent. The finish is toned very dark. The anniversary number “25” stands out quite clearly. The oak leaves are perfectly centered and very firmly attached to the two-strand white/ black / white / black parade mount award ribbon (which is quite stiff). The ribbon arrangement is absolute perfection, with the outward curve to the white bands nearly mirror image on each side. The reverse of the stiffened ribbon has a red felt backing, which has some light tracking and a few small holes. The heavy duty mounting pin functions smoothly with a smooth swing once released from the catch. A truly choice example of a very scarce jubilee Iron Cross
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