1914 Eisernes Kreuz

**Thistle51** · 10-12-2022, 07:53 PM

Greetings everyone,
I am looking for any information you can share regarding this 1914 Eisernes Kreuz. Thanks for taking a look.

**Espenlaub Militaria** · 10-12-2022 07:53 PM

We also buy and trade your items and full collections!

**MAP** · 10-12-2022, 09:17 PM

Let's wait for Greg and some of the other Imperial EK experts but has the core been repainted?

The Cross is also missing the suspension ring. But sure you are already aware of that.

**Thistle51** · 10-13-2022, 12:58 AM

Anything done to it would have been before my Grandfather acquired it during WWII. It has been in a footlocker for basically the last 77 years.

**Thistle51** · 10-13-2022, 01:00 AM

Is this an EK I or II and how do I tell the difference?

**MAP** · 10-13-2022, 01:04 AM

It's a 2nd class (EK2) as it had a suspension loop to hang from the ribbon.

EK1s (1st class) are pin back and we're worn on the chest.

EK2s were not worn on a uniform. Only the ribbon was worn sewn through the button hole. The only time an EK2 was worn on a uniform is if they were part of parade mount

WW1 EK 2 - first award starting at upper Left
WW1 EK1 - second award starting at upper left
Parade Mount EK2 on lower right

**Thistle51** · 10-13-2022, 01:16 AM

Thanks, MAP. You all are teaching me a lot. I appreciate it.

**MAP** · 10-13-2022, 01:18 AM

by Thistle51

Thanks, MAP. You all are teaching me a lot. I appreciate it.

just added a photo to the post above to show you

**Thistle51** · 10-13-2022, 01:20 AM

Thanks again, MAP.

**Chopperman** · 10-13-2022, 02:36 AM

Hi Thistle,
There is not much more I can add to the conversation.

It is an original 1914 Iron Cross 2nd class that is missing the ribbon ring
and ribbon. I do not believe that it has been repainted. it's just been stored
away from the elements. I am pretty sure that is was made by Assmann.
(F. W. Assmann & Söhne, Lüdenscheid)

It's nice to have a piece belonging to a family member.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask. We will try our best to
come up with a good answer for you.

Here is a thread with lot's of Eks, ranging from 2nd class, 1st class
with lots of different makers and styles. It might help with familiarizing
you to some of the many iron cross characteristics.
Imperial Eks