WWII Nazi Period 2nd Class Iron Cross by Klein & Quenzer A.G. M 140. WWII Nazi Period 2nd Class Iron Cross by Klein & Quenzer A.G. M 140. Antique & Militaria

On 17 March 1813 King Frederick William III of Prussia who had fled to non-occupied Breslau (today Wrocław) – established the military decoration of the Iron Cross, backdated to 10 March (the late Queen Louise's birthday). The Iron Cross was awarded to soldiers during the Wars of Liberation against Napoleon. Before a soldier could be awarded with the Iron Cross 1st Class, he needed to have been decorated with the Iron Cross 2nd Class. It was first awarded to Karl August Ferdinand von Borcke on 21 April 1813. The first form of the Iron Crosses 1st Class was stitched in ribbon to the left uniform breast. By order of 1st June 1813, the 2nd form was created in cast iron with silver borders, and 8 loops on the reverse, to be fixed to the left uniform breast. In 1817 a total of 670 chevaliers had received the Iron Cross 1st Class. This excellent example has the makers mark on the ring ‘65’ for Klein & Quenzer A.G. A real collectors piece. See pages 45-48 of Combat Medals of the Third Reich by Christopher Ailsby. The price includes UK delivery. M 140.