WWII German Iron Cross 2nd Class 1939

Description

The WWII German Iron Cross 2nd Class 1939 is one of the most recognisable German military decorations of the Second World War. Officially known as the Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse 1939, the decoration was re-instituted on 1 September 1939 as the lower grade of the renewed Order of the Iron Cross. It was awarded for particular bravery in the face of the enemy and for outstanding military merit or leadership.

This example retains the classic construction and visual appearance associated with the Iron Cross 2nd Class 1939, together with its characteristic wartime suspension ribbon.

WWII German Iron Cross 2nd Class 1939 design

The WWII German Iron Cross 2nd Class 1939 follows the traditional cross pattée form inherited from earlier German Iron Cross decorations.

The visible face displays a dark central core surrounded by a contrasting raised silver-coloured frame. At the centre appears the period German national emblem, while the lower arm carries the date 1939, representing the year in which this version of the Iron Cross was instituted.

Period Iron Crosses of this class were normally manufactured using multipart construction, typically comprising an iron centre positioned between front and rear frame sections. Specialist references describe standard examples as three-part constructions with a magnetic iron core.

Original suspension ribbon

A particularly important feature of this example is its surviving black, white and red ribbon.

The ribbon displays substantial natural wear, including frayed fibres and loose threads at its ends. This is clearly visible in the photographs and has deliberately not been concealed or cosmetically altered.

The surviving ribbon gives the medal a strong period appearance and makes it especially attractive for collectors who prefer visibly aged and untouched militaria.

Historically, the full cross was commonly worn on the day the decoration was awarded, while afterwards the ribbon could be worn through the second buttonhole of the uniform.

Condition and collector appeal

The medal itself shows visible age-related wear to the dark finish and silver-coloured frame. There is oxidation, patination and surface wear consistent with the appearance of an older military decoration.

The raised beaded inner border remains clearly visible around the arms of the cross, while the central emblem and 1939 date retain good definition.

The supplied photographs also provide close-up views while the medal is handled using a collector’s glove, allowing its surface, frame, ribbon and overall condition to be examined closely.

The ribbon is notably worn and frayed and should therefore be regarded as part of the item’s historical condition rather than as a mint-condition component.

No manufacturer attribution is made because no maker number or identifying stamp on the suspension ring can be confirmed from the photographs supplied.

Historical importance of the Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse

The Iron Cross tradition dates back to 1813, although the version represented here belongs specifically to the decoration re-established in 1939.

The WWII German Iron Cross 2nd Class 1939 represented the entry grade of the wartime Iron Cross hierarchy. Specialist records estimate that approximately 3.5–3.7 million examples were awarded, while actual production may have reached approximately five to six million pieces. At least 65 manufacturers are recorded as having participated in its production.

Despite the relatively large wartime issue numbers, surviving examples remain among the cornerstone decorations of German WWII militaria collecting. Condition, maker, construction variation, retained finish, original ribbon and accompanying award documents can all influence collector value.

Current collector market

Current specialist dealer pricing provides useful context. Lomax Militaria lists an original unmarked Iron Cross 2nd Class 1939 with original ribbon at €165, while Bevo Militaria has recorded standard ribbon examples at approximately €175, with mint examples around €225. Scarcer variations and examples with original packaging can achieve substantially higher prices.

The pronounced wear to the ribbon on this example should be factored into its value, although the surviving ribbon itself remains an important part of its collector appeal.

This WWII German Iron Cross 2nd Class 1939 is offered as a historical collector’s item with our authenticity guarantee.

All photographs show the actual item offered and form an integral part of the description and condition assessment.

Any political symbols visible on this historical decoration are presented solely as inseparable elements of the original period design. The item is offered exclusively for historical, educational and collecting purposes and does not represent endorsement of any political ideology.