The Collector’s Encyclopaedia · Decorations · Imperial & Prussian
Iron Cross from 1813 to 1945: History, Grades and Collector’s Guide
| Founded | 10 March 1813, by King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia |
|---|---|
| Design | Final form by the architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel |
| Renewals | 1870 (Franco-Prussian War); 1914 (First World War); 1939 (Second World War) |
| Distinctive feature | The first Prussian award open to all ranks for war service |
| In the collection | 4 pieces currently available (see below) |
The Iron Cross is older than the German state. Founded in Prussia in 1813, it was renewed for three later wars, and each version carries its own date. Knowing the four dates, 1813, 1870, 1914 and 1939, is the first step in identifying any Iron Cross.
What Was the Iron Cross from 1813 to 1945?
King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia founded the Iron Cross on 10 March 1813, during the wars of liberation against Napoleon, in two classes and a Grand Cross. Its plain classical form was finalised by Karl Friedrich Schinkel. According to the Deutsches Historisches Museum, it was the first decoration for war service open to everyone, whatever their origin, faith or rank.
The award was originally intended for that war alone, but it was renewed in 1870 for the Franco-Prussian War and in 1914 for the First World War. In 1939 the National Socialist regime deliberately invoked the Prussian tradition and turned it into a German war order, adding the swastika. See Iron Cross 1939.
| Version | Date on the cross | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Prussian, first foundation | 1813 | Wars of liberation |
| Renewal | 1870 | Franco-Prussian War |
| Renewal | 1914 | First World War |
| Renewal | 1939 | Second World War; swastika in the centre |
Who Awarded It, and Which Documents Go With It?
In each period the award was made through the military chain of command and recorded in award documents and service records. First World War documents and crosses are a large field of their own; see award documents.
What Should Collectors Watch For?
- Date and design must agree: the date on the lower arm identifies the foundation.
- 1813 and 1870 crosses are scarce and widely copied.
- Restrikes and later copies exist for every period.
Collector’s Note
The Iron Cross shows how a symbol can be carried through very different regimes. I always describe which Iron Cross a piece is, and which state awarded it.
Related Entries and Pieces
Pieces in the Collection
From the Collector’s Journal
Browse the full Collector’s Encyclopaedia →
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Iron Cross founded?
On 10 March 1813, by King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia.
Who designed the Iron Cross?
Its final form is credited to Karl Friedrich Schinkel.
In which years was the Iron Cross renewed?
In 1870, 1914 and 1939.
Historical Responsibility Notice: this entry documents historical figures and artefacts for collecting, preservation, education and research. It does not endorse or glorify any ideology.
References & Further Reading
- Deutsches Historisches Museum, Ehrenzeichen, in: Orden. Zur Geschichte des Auszeichnungswesens.
- Deutsches Historisches Museum, LeMO – Lebendiges Museum Online, Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes (A. Scriba; last updated 19 May 2015).