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Iron Cross 2nd Class (Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse, EK II), a German military decoration reintroduced on 1 September 1939 to recognize acts of bravery in the face of the enemy and distinguished achievements in commanding troops during the Second World War.
The decoration features the characteristic cross pattée, with a blackened iron core and a silver-coloured metal frame. The obverse bears a swastika in the centre and the date 1939 on the lower arm, while the reverse displays the date 1813, commemorating the original institution of the Iron Cross in Prussia.
This example features the traditional three-piece construction, consisting of a magnetic iron core enclosed within a two-part outer frame.
The Iron Cross 2nd Class was awarded for combat merit and was generally worn suspended from its ribbon during the award ceremony. Afterwards, the ribbon could be worn through the second buttonhole of the uniform tunic.
Original German Iron Cross 2nd Class, 1939 pattern, with magnetic core and three-piece construction. Second World War.
