How did it come about just using the ribbon on the EKII in the button hole, where did they keep the actual cross? with it common to wear the EKI and RK cross, why was there a actual cross in the EKII if it was never worn except for the initial award ceromony?-just trying to figure this stuff out? any input would be helpful-thanks
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The EK2 was worn on full dress uniform medal bars.
Buttonhole wear was left over from early in the 19th century when ribbon bars had not yet come into wear. After ribbon bars did come in, the Iron Cross was among a variety of Imperial period awards that were allowed to be worn that way as an extra distinction. When no ribbon bar was worn, a "senior" award like this was still worn from the buttonhole as the most important award the wearer had received.
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