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The Iron Cross Second Class: Prestige and Recognition
In late 1939, the Iron Cross Second Class was still a prestigious award, granted with careful consideration, as it had been in past conflicts. However, as the war dragged on and Germany’s situation grew more desperate—particularly in 1945—the medal was handed out more frequently, leading to a decline in its perceived value. Despite this, it remained a respected decoration, and many recipients took great pride in recording the actions that earned them the honor.
Earning the Iron Cross
To qualify for the Iron Cross Second Class, a soldier had to demonstrate exceptional bravery in combat or go beyond the call of duty in a significant way.
For Heer and SS personnel, this often meant excelling in a particular mission. One such example is SS-Obersturmführer Eric Brorup of the 5th SS Panzer Division, who received the award on December 1, 1942. Leading a reconnaissance raid in a dense forest on the Eastern Front, he and his platoon engaged enemy forces in a firefight, inflicted casualties, and successfully captured six prisoners, including two non-commissioned officers.
Entire units could also be honored. The crew of U-29, for instance, was collectively awarded the Iron Cross Second Class on September 18, 1939, for sinking the British aircraft carrier HMS Courageous the day before—a major naval victory early in the war.
How It Was Worn
Recipients of the Iron Cross Second Class had three ways to display their decoration:
- Suspended from the second button of the tunic.
- Mounted on a medal bar for formal occasions.
- As a ribbon threaded through the second buttonhole of the tunic for everyday wear.
While its reputation may have faded in the final years of the war, the Iron Cross Second Class remained a symbol of bravery and achievement on the battlefield.
Terminology
Used to Describe the Iron Cross Second Class
Study the pictures below! We will be using the terminology to explain certain features.
How to Identify an Authentic Iron Cross Second Class
Identifying an authentic Iron Cross 2nd Class (Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse) from the Third Reich period can be challenging, as many replicas and fakes are in circulation. Here are some key aspects to look for:
1.Material and Construction:
- Core Material: The core of an original Iron Cross is made of iron and is magnetic. Many fakes are made of brass or other non-magnetic metals. There are Austrian makers that are an exception to the iron cores, but most are magnetic. You can test with a small magnet to see if it sticks to the core. (Tip: cover the magnet with a little tape so you won’t damage the core.)
- Frame Material: The silver-colored frame is usually made of a silver alloy or “Neusilber” (nickel silver). Look for patina and slight discoloration due to aging. Some examples can be found in mint condition—this largely depends on how the medal has been stored over the years.
- Signs of Rust: Rust on iron cores may cause “spidering”—a pattern of rust forming beneath the core’s paint. While this does not necessarily indicate authenticity, it can affect the value of the cross.
- Spacing: Look for space between the frame and the core. If the medal is made from one solid piece, it is always a fake. If there is some room between the core and the frame, it’s a good sign. Also, examine the sides of the frame for a seam where the two halves meet.2. Markings:
- Maker Marks: Authentic crosses often have a maker’s mark on the ring, such as “65” (Klein & Quenzer) or “24” (Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Hanauer Plakettenhersteller). There are also non-maker-marked examples and LDO examples, which may have an “L/11” stamp (Wilhelm Deumer) on the ring.
- Font Style: Pay attention to the font and depth of the stamp. Irregularities or vague markings may make it harder to determine the maker of the cross. Be cautious of known fake stamps, like those marked “333.3. Weight and Dimensions:
- Weight: An authentic Iron Cross 2nd Class typically weighs between 18 and 20 grams, though this varies by maker. Reference books can help identify the specific weight for each manufacturer.
- Dimensions: The standard size is approximately 44 mm x 44 mm. There are exceptions per maker, such as the Frank & Reif Übergröße, where sizes may differ slightly4. Ribbon and Attachment:
- Ribbon Material: Original ribbons are made of durable, woven fabric. Replicas often have ribbons that are too brightly colored or appear modern. You can test these ribbons with UV light—if they light up, it is not a good sign.5. Documentation and Provenance:
- If the Iron Cross comes with documentation or a collector’s certificate, check the authenticity of these papers. Fake crosses often come with forged documents to increase credibility. You can also test the authenticity of documents with UV light.ConclusionThe Iron Cross Second Class is an iconic piece for every German militaria collector and a must-have for any collection. Always be cautious when purchasing these medals and make sure to ask the dealer for a 100% authenticity guarantee. Ensure that you can return the medal if it turns out to be a fake. I hope this guide will help you on your journey to acquiring a genuine cross for your collection.
