Original WWII German Iron Cross 2nd Class 1939 EK2 with Ribbon

Description

The WWII German Iron Cross 2nd Class 1939 is one of the most recognizable and historically significant military decorations associated with Germany during the Second World War. Known in German as the Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse and commonly abbreviated by collectors as EK2, this decoration represents one of the classic pieces of WWII German militaria and remains an essential item for collections focused on military medals, decorations and twentieth-century European history.

This example features the characteristic cross pattée design of the Iron Cross, consisting of a dark central core surrounded by a contrasting silver-colored frame. The obverse carries the date 1939 on the lower arm together with the central period emblem associated with the wartime reintroduction of the decoration.

The reverse displays the historic date 1813, commemorating the original institution of the Iron Cross by King Frederick William III of Prussia during the Napoleonic Wars. This combination of 1939 on the front and 1813 on the reverse is one of the defining visual characteristics of the Second World War version of the Iron Cross 2nd Class.

WWII German Iron Cross 2nd Class with Ribbon

The cross is accompanied by its distinctive black, white and red suspension ribbon, an important visual component of an EK2 display.

The ribbon shows clear age-related wear and fraying, particularly around the upper section. Rather than being hidden, these details are clearly visible in the photographs and form part of the historical appearance of the piece.

The medal itself exhibits an attractive aged patina across the metallic frame. The raised beaded border remains visible around the inner edge of the cross, while the dark central area retains good definition.

Both the 1939 date on the obverse and the 1813 date on the reverse remain clearly identifiable.

Collectors often place particular importance on the condition of the frame, central core, suspension ring and ribbon when evaluating an Iron Cross. This example has retained the characteristic appearance expected from an aged military decoration and has not been polished to give it an artificially new appearance.

History of the Iron Cross EK2 1939

The Iron Cross has a history extending back to 1813, but the decoration was reintroduced in different forms during later German conflicts.

The 1939 Iron Cross 2nd Class was instituted at the beginning of the Second World War and became one of the best-known German military awards of the conflict.

It could be awarded to members of the German armed forces for acts of bravery, military merit or significant service under combat conditions. The 2nd Class was normally the first grade of the Iron Cross received before eligibility for higher classes.

Unlike the Iron Cross 1st Class, which was worn directly on the uniform, the Iron Cross 2nd Class was suspended from a ribbon. In formal wear, the complete medal could be displayed from the tunic, while in everyday service the ribbon itself was often worn through a buttonhole.

This difference between the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class makes the surviving ribbon an important component when collecting examples of the EK2.

Details Visible on This Example

The photographs show several features of interest to collectors:

• Classic Iron Cross 2nd Class cross pattée construction.
• Dark central core.
• Silver-colored outer frame.
• Raised decorative inner border.
• 1939 date on the obverse.
• 1813 date on the reverse.
• Period-style black, white and red ribbon.
• Natural patina and age-related surface wear.
• Visible wear and fraying to the ribbon.

No maker number or manufacturer marking can be clearly confirmed from the supplied photographs. For this reason, the medal is not attributed to a particular manufacturer in this listing.

Numerous authorized manufacturers produced Iron Crosses during the Second World War, and identifying a specific maker should only be attempted when a clear manufacturer’s mark, usually located on the suspension ring, can be examined.

Collecting WWII German Iron Crosses

The WWII German Iron Cross 2nd Class 1939 EK2 occupies an important position in military collecting because it combines an immediately recognizable design with direct historical significance.

Iron Crosses are collected both individually and as part of larger collections covering German military decorations, Wehrmacht memorabilia, Second World War medals, military uniforms, award documents and related historical material.

For collectors building a representative WWII militaria collection, an EK2 is often considered one of the fundamental German decorations because of its historical importance and unmistakable appearance.

Examples retaining their ribbon can be particularly attractive for display because they allow the decoration to be presented in its recognizable wartime configuration.

This medal would display well alongside a WWII German award document, Wehrpass, Soldbuch, military photograph, medal grouping or other Second World War military collectibles.

Condition

The Iron Cross is offered in the condition shown in the photographs.

The metallic surfaces display natural patina, oxidation and general wear consistent with age. The dark central areas show surface marks but retain the principal design details.

The ribbon displays noticeable age and fraying, particularly around its ends. These characteristics should be carefully considered when evaluating the item and have intentionally not been concealed or digitally corrected.

The photographs form an important part of the description and should be examined closely for the exact condition of the medal, suspension ring, ribbon, frame and central core.

No restoration or cleaning is claimed.

A Classic Piece of WWII Militaria

For collectors interested in World War II militaria, the Iron Cross remains one of the most historically recognizable decorations of the period.

This German Iron Cross 2nd Class 1939 EK2 with ribbon combines the iconic wartime design, visible 1939 and 1813 dates, contrasting black core and silver-colored frame, and the traditional suspension ribbon associated with the decoration.

A strong display piece for a collection focused on WWII German military medals, Second World War history, Iron Crosses, historical military awards and European militaria.

This historical collectible is offered solely for historical, educational and collecting purposes. Any political symbols visible on the item are part of its original historical context and are neither endorsed nor promoted.