Never seen one like this.............
 

Quite nice, quite expensive but still very very nice.


http://www.emedals.com/collectors-ga...g8512?vmcchk=1

The broken pin and missing hook on the back of a Iron Cross 2nd Class of this level is weird. I've seen some "field made" upgrades as such, but they are crude. It simply doesn't make sense to me.

I think the recipient might have first had it made into both 1st and 2nd Cl and worn as one. Whatever, however or why, the guy had money. Here's where accompanied History would come in handy. For sure, it's not a piece of costume jewelry.

I'll be interested when, if or how fast it sells. These people get a hold of some select pieces.

Here's an issued 1870 1st Class just posted, it's not cheap either:

http://www.emedals.com/collectors-ga...g8515?vmcchk=1

After thinking on this, it could have been made into a piece of jewelry, an expensive piece by some wife or even later by a daughter. It could have been worn either as a brooch or on a gold chain. Notice how the chain rings are able to fold inward when then at one time with the latch, now gone, it could have been worn as a brooch.

Just curious, what's supposed to be the material of this medal? gold, silver, or iron, or ... I don't know.

Really don't know.
Just too many "ifs" for a piece with this price tag.

The inner core is iron, which is what gave the original medals their name. Issued medals then had the iron enclosed via a German Silver outer frame. This is composed of two half shells, which enclose the iron core. They are soldered together.

This appears to have been privately made by taking an original iron core, (with the dates and oak leaves) and a new frame of precious metal fabricated to hold the core. It is a nice example of a private purchase item, but has no historical significanse in the sense that it is an issued and approved higher award, like in the case of Hans-Ulrich Rudel in WW2.

Here's a real one.

Real nice...yours?

Yes.

Excellent condition...............:cheers: