Spange Purpose

[usmc3439]

Hello. First of all I am very happy to have found this forum. I am an avid collector of WW2 US militaria, but I am also an entry level collector of WW2 German militaria. I am sure I will find lots of information here to expand my knowledge on the subject.

I am curious to know what was the purpose of the spange mounted on EK1's I have seen around on collections as well as other forums. Award? Accessory?

Please educate me on the subject.

Regards;

Heri

[Hank C.]

Spangen, in either 1st or 2nd class, denotes the wearer won the iron cross of that level in WW1.

Best
Hank

[streptile]

Spangen, in either 1st or 2nd class, denotes the wearer won the iron cross of that level in WW1. Best Hank

That's true but it's only half the story because winning the iron cross in WWI was not enough to qualify for the Spange; you also had to win the iron cross in WWII.

The best way to think of the Spange is that it's the same exact thing as a 1939 Iron Cross (1st or 2nd Class depending), except that the awardee also won the 1914 Iron Cross in the previous war. So if you won the EK2 in WWI, and then won the EK2 again in WWII, you were awarded the Spange 2. Class rather than a second iron cross. Same with the 1. Class.

[Hank C.]

That's true but it's only half the story because winning the iron cross in WWI was not enough to qualify for the Spange; you also had to win the iron cross in WWII.

...edit....

Ooops, that's what I was trying to say.....

best
Hank

[mp409mm]

So If one win the first class iron cross in WW1 and then win again the 1st class Iron cross in WW2, and he get the spange, , which 1st Class Iron Cross does he wear the WW1 or the 2nd war iron cross.
Alf.

[jeetley]

So If one win the first class iron cross in WW1 and then win again the 1st class Iron cross in WW2, and he get the spange, , which 1st Class Iron Cross does he wear the WW1 or the 2nd war iron cross.
Alf.

he would wear the ww1 ek...he would not have a 1939 ek because the spange would represent the 1939 ek

[mp409mm]

he would wear the ww1 ek...he would not have a 1939 ek because the spange would represent the 1939 ek

Thank you. Now thinking about it, I never saw a WW2 period photo of a soldier wearing an Iron Cross 1st Class of 1914. May be someone will oblige. Thank You.
Alf.

[Rich G]

Seems unfair that after winning his EK1 in the mud and blood of the WW1 that he had to earn it again in WW2. Every one else earning their EK1 in WW2 would have been up for the DKiG or RK.

I never understood the logic behind it.

[DonC]

Thank you. Now thinking about it, I never saw a WW2 period photo of a soldier wearing an Iron Cross 1st Class of 1914. May be someone will oblige. Thank You.
Alf.

Ask and ye shall receive! Here's a good (and HUGE) pic of Rommel wearing his awards in the correctly prescribed way:

[mp409mm]

Ask and ye shall receive! Here's a good (and HUGE) pic of Rommel wearing his awards in the correctly prescribed way:

Thank you for the photo, which it is with a Bonus, Great for the collection Thanks.
Regard,
Alf.

[sanya13]

very nice illustrative image

[streptile]

Rommel's wearing two Junckers.

[mp409mm]

Rommel's wearing two Junckers.

That is interesting additional information. thank You
Alf.