Iron Cross and it's varients

[Wessel Gordon]

Can someone please explain or refer me to somewhere that explain the differences between the various classes/variants of the Iron Cross? To my untrained eye they all look the same even if the resource clearly states that it's a different class or variant.

[J Temple-West]

So, as to classes... 1st class (pin back), 2nd class attached to a ribbon by way of an eyelet and ring soldered to the top of the cross.

As to variants...this pertains to the way that a cross can be attributed to a particular maker (if no maker mark is present) as each maker has different die characteristics, finishing, pin/hinge/catch etc. To make things even more complicated, crosses, by a particular maker, may have used more than one die and different materials in the production process but there is usually, how ever small, an indicator as to who the maker was....if not, these crosses are , and this goes for the entire range of awards and badges of the time,  classed as 'maker unknown'   

[graham]

Wessel,

There is quite a bit of information out there but here are a couple of websites that may go some way in helping. Just work your way through the sites to gain as much info as you like. 

http://ek1-dna.de/

https://ironcross-history.nl/

Regards,

Graham

[Wessel Gordon]

John and Graham,

Thanks for the replies. It seems like it could be a field of study that could keep someone busy for years.

[graham]

Wessel,

Yes, years for sure.

If you are keen, below are a couple of books which are focussed on the topic: -

The Iron Time -  by Privetera The Iron Cross: A History, 1813-1957 - by Gordon Williamson  Regards, Graham