German Iron Cross Second Class 1914-1918

German Iron Cross, Second Class, unnamed as issued. A cross pattee in black iron edged with silver. The obverse features the letter, 'W' in the centre with a crown on the upper arm and '1914' on the lower arm. The reverse features three oak leaves in the centre surmounted by a crown over 'FW' and '1813' on the lower arm. The medal is fitted with a loose ring suspender. The ribbon which is fitted with a metal attachment eye, is black with two thin white bands.

The Iron Cross (in First, Second and Grand Cross Classes) was first introduced by Kaiser Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia in 1813, as a special gallantry award for the duration of the war then being waged with France. Following this precedent, successive leaders of Prussia, and later of the unified German state, reinstituted the award in times of war. The Iron Cross 1813 was succeeded by the Iron Cross 1870 (Franco-Prussian War), the Iron Cross 1914 (First World War) and the Iron Cross 1939 (Second World War). All versions feature the original date of institution '1813' on the reverse lower arm, with the later date of introduction on the obverse lower arm.