German 1870 Iron Cross - 1st Class

This fine quality German 1870 Iron Cross First Class is die-struck and features excellent details, as well as an original type, wide flat pin and proper style hinge.

First instituted in 1813 by King Frederick Willhelm III of Prussia during the Napoleanic Wars, it was again issued during the Franco-Prussian War with the 1870 date. The Iron Cross recognized bravery as well as exceptional military service and the First Class version was awarded to recipients who had already received the 2nd class Iron Cross and who achieved further exemplary service to the military.

It was revised again in World War I to include the 1914 date and again in 1939 to add the swastika & the new date.