Prussian War Cross of 1870

[ObltKG4]

What is the current cost of this cross in this condition?

[streptile]

It's a well-known original jubilee cross made after 1895. Value about $250.

[ObltKG4]

It's a well-known original jubilee cross made after 1895. Value about $250.

Was there an inital 1870 cross issued before 1895?

[gregM]

This thread has a good history of the 1870 Iron cross ------------

http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...d.php?t=358392

[streptile]

Was there an inital 1870 cross issued before 1895?

Yes, there were two types of 2nd class crosses made around 1870-1873. As Greg pointed out, there is a good article pinned about these two types. Yours is not mentioned in that piece, but is a well-known Jubilee cross or rather poor construction. I have one myself and I love it.

[ObltKG4]

Yes, there were two types of 2nd class crosses made around 1870-1873. As Greg pointed out, there is a good article pinned about these two types. Yours is not mentioned in that piece, but is a well-known Jubilee cross or rather poor construction. I have one myself and I love it.

Poor construction?

[gregM]

Poor construction?

"poor construction" may or may not be the best choice of words HOWEVER
the Jubilee era crosses do not show the same degree of detail that the early Wagner and Godets have.
That's why the earlier crosses bring bring a premium price when they are found.

The early 1870s are some of the nicest quality Iron Crosses made.

[ObltKG4]

That's much nicer looking - clean edge to crown and stamping is much sharper.
Thanks for the info.
I'll use mine as a bookmark.

[streptile]

This particular kind of Jubilee EK is, in my experience, among the poorest quality of any EK from any period (save the 57ers from the 1980s) I've seen personally. The strike is very poor (often a double-struck core), the frame is highly flawed, the solder is spotty and inconsistent, the core details are extremely weak, the materials (some kind of light alloy and thin ferrous metal) and even the paint are cheap. I believe the loop at the top was meant to accommodate a particular type of oakleaf attachment, which also explains why the small ring is not generally found soldered closed -- it was designed for easy removal:


© Previtera The Iron Time

My personal view is that these were made almost as souveniers; at best they were cheap duplicates. They are very, very rarely seen on medalbars.

I mean none of this as an insult to the cross. I am extremely happy to own one, as they constitute an important part of the history of the Iron Crosss series. Here's my baby:



I also like yours very much. If you're seriously going to remove it from display and use it as a bookmark, perhaps you'd consider selling it?

[Don D.]

Very interesting.

[VtwinVince]

Hey Greg, can we see the reverse of your EK1?

[gregM]

It's not mine
This beautiful cross belongs to Tony (Tiger 1)

[ObltKG4]

It's not mine
This beautiful cross belongs to Tony (Tiger 1)

Was that meant to wear on the chest?

[streptile]

Was that meant to wear on the chest?

Left breast pocket of the uniform, yep.

[Steve P]

Greg, I'd like to support your commensta bout the early 1870 crosses, they are IMO soem of the most attractive Iron Crosses ever made. I have attached pics of one of mine by Wagner & Sohn...Ceers, S