Opinions wanted on this Iron Cross

[militarymania]

I have had this quite awhile...have heard that these were strewn about the dead & wounded German soldiers by the Russians as a propaganda tool...what is the REAL story on these???.,,,,thanks,,,Robert

[streptile]

I have had this quite awhile...have heard that these were strewn about the dead & wounded German soldiers by the Russians as a propaganda tool...what is the REAL story on these???.,,,,thanks,,,Robert

First off, this really belongs in the Imperial Forum

There are some crude cast-iron crosses that were manufactured as propaganda. Whether they were ever dropped over trenches or on soldiers is questionable. To me, it's doubtful. There are different types but none is like this one. The cross with "KULTUR" on it is one type, probably from the UK. An American version says "To Der Kiser" [sic].

No one knows for sure what the deal with yours is, but in my opinion it was probably made in Germany, by Germans, as a commemorative piece. Possibly a Gold For Iron kind of thing. I'd love to find out for sure what exactly it is though.

Anyway they are collectible in their own right and routinely sell for a bit more than an authentic 1914 EK2 (in the neighborhood of $100). I think the KULTUR ones can get a bit more.

[Hank C.]

Since all the towns on it appear to be Belgian or French, it may be a cross from one of those countries, honoring service in WW1.

But as stated above, I really don't think this is any kind of propaganda cross, nor is it 3rd Reich.

best
Hank

Edit: Unless the "W" in the middle is an exclusively German thing...either way, I still believe it would be a cross honoring WW1 service. Just an idea/opinion.

[militarymania]

many thanks for the replies;if this thread needs to be moved to the Imperial section,,,please do so,,,Robert