1870 Iron Cross 1st Class Reproduction – Unusual 2-Piece Collector Study Lot

Description

1870 Iron Cross 1st Class Reproduction and German Collector Document

This 1870 Iron Cross 1st Class reproduction forms part of an unusual two-piece historical collector study lot combining a later reproduction of the Prussian Iron Cross with a German military-style award document.

The most important point for any prospective collector is that neither item is being offered as an authenticated period original.

The cross is a collector-made representation of the Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse 1870, while the accompanying document contains chronological inconsistencies that strongly indicate that it should also be treated as a later collector or fantasy item.

For collectors interested in studying reproductions, markings, document construction and the differences between original and later-made militaria, the combination makes an interesting reference lot.

Identification of the 1870 Iron Cross 1st Class Reproduction

The front of the cross displays the classic design associated with the Prussian Iron Cross of 1870.

The upper arm bears the Prussian royal crown, the centre displays the letter W, representing King Wilhelm I, and the lower arm carries the date 1870.

These features distinguish it immediately from the later 1914 and 1939 versions of the Iron Cross.

The original 1870 Iron Cross was connected with the Franco-Prussian War of 1870–1871. Museum examples show the characteristic combination of a blackened iron centre surrounded by a silver frame. The Deutsches Historisches Museum records an original 1870 First Class example measuring approximately 42 × 42 mm and weighing around 16 g.

The present example measures approximately 41 × 41 mm and is reported to weigh approximately 25 grams.

Its reverse carries a vertical pin system.

The supplied description associates the piece with Deschler & Sohn, but this attribution should not be interpreted as evidence that the medal was actually manufactured by that company during the historical period.

Why This Cross Is Catalogued as a Collector Reproduction

The original description itself uses the German expression “wohl Sammler Anfertigung”, meaning approximately “probably a collector-made piece.”

That qualification is important.

Modern collector reproductions of the 1870 Iron Cross 1st Class are commercially available. One current German dealer, for example, sells a Sammleranfertigung measuring approximately 44 × 44 mm and weighing 22 g.

Specialist collector discussions also document later Iron Cross reproductions carrying Deschler & Sohn-style markings, demonstrating why a manufacturer inscription by itself cannot establish authenticity.

Consequently, INS90 is deliberately catalogued as an 1870 Iron Cross 1st Class reproduction, not as an original Franco-Prussian War decoration.

Accompanying Vorläufiges Besitzzeugnis

Included with the cross is a German-language document headed:

“Vorläufiges Besitzzeugnis”

The document names:

SS-Oberscharführer Hans Meier

and describes him as:

Zugführer in der 2. Komp. Pz.Jgr.Abt. LAH

It purports to record the award of the:

Bandenkampfabzeichen in Bronze

and carries the date:

20 June 1943

The lower section contains a blue circular Waffen-SS-style stamp and a handwritten signature over the printed rank SS-Hauptsturmführer u. Abt.Kdr.

The signature has not been attributed or authenticated.

Important Chronological Problem With the Document

The date creates a major historical problem.

The Bandenkampfabzeichen, generally translated as the Anti-Partisan Badge, was not instituted until 29 January 1944.

Its eligibility was made retroactive to 1 January 1943, meaning combat activity dating from 1943 could count towards a later award. That retroactivity did not mean that award certificates could have been issued before the decoration itself existed.

A certificate explicitly awarding the Bandenkampfabzeichen in Bronze on 20 June 1943 is therefore chronologically inconsistent with the documented history of the decoration.

There is an additional problem.

The circular stamp visible on the document appears to use the designation:

1. SS-Pz.Div. LSSAH

However, during June 1943 the formation was still officially designated the SS-Panzergrenadier-Division Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler.

The designation 1. SS-Panzer-Division Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler was adopted only on 22 October 1943.

Therefore both the award itself and the divisional designation are inconsistent with a document supposedly created in June 1943.

Collector Classification

For this reason, the certificate should not be advertised as an authentic Waffen-SS award document dated 1943.

For INS90 I classify it conservatively as:

Later collector/fantasy award document – not authenticated.

That description accurately reflects the evidence without claiming more than can be established.

It is possible for reproductions and fantasy documents themselves to have collector and study value, particularly when used to compare paper, stamps, typography and signatures against verified originals.

Condition

The cross displays surface wear and patination, particularly on the reverse, while the black centre remains clearly defined.

The pin system is present.

The document shows folding lines, edge and surface wear and intentionally or naturally aged paper appearance.

All photographs should be considered part of the condition report.

No restoration or alteration is claimed in this listing.

Historical and Collecting Context

This lot should primarily be viewed as a reference and collector study set rather than as an authenticated decoration group.

The 1870-pattern cross illustrates the visual development of the Iron Cross tradition, while the document provides an example of why chronology, unit nomenclature and award regulations are essential when evaluating German military papers.

The discrepancy between the stated June 1943 date and a decoration instituted only in January 1944 is particularly useful from an educational authentication perspective.

The lot is offered exclusively for historical collecting, documentation and research.

It does not promote or endorse the political organisations, ideology or actions represented by the later document.

Further Reading

For historical background, see Deutsches Historisches Museum: “Ehrenzeichen”, on the history of German decorations.

Before buying, read my Complete Collector’s Guide to the Iron Cross 1939.