Iron Cross, Model 1813 EK 1813 1813 Iron Cross was instituted was instituted on March 10, 1813 by the King of Prussia Friedrich Wilhelm III in three classes: Grand Cross of the Iron Cross (Großkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes), Iron Cross 1st class (Eisernes Kreuz 1.Klasse) and Iron Cross 2nd class (Eisernes Kreuz 2.Klasse). Initial concept of introducing the fourth class of the Iron Cross in the shape of a circular silver-framed iron medal was declined. Approximate number of decorations with the Iron Cross of different classes is as follows: 16,000 2nd class crosses on combatant ribbon, including 6,000 "inherited" pieces (see below); 375 2nd class crosses on non-combatant ribbon; 650 1st class crosses; seven Grand Crosses of the Iron Cross. There's also an indication that approximately 16,938 Iron Crosses 2nd class were awarded for the Wars of Liberation. 1813 Iron Cross 2nd class GE_veteran_46 An obverse was blank and void of any design or lettering, other than the silver frame. Initials of Friedrich Wilhelm III ("FW") topped with the royal crown were situated on the upper arm of the cross on its reverse, the date "1813" was placed on the lower arm, and three oak leaves were situated in the centre. Since holders of the decoration preferred to wear it reverse outside (that was by far more elegant), an official approval was issued on April 19, 1838 authorizing such manner of wearing. Iron Cross 2nd class was worn on the left side of the tunic suspended from a 40 mm wide silk ribbon of Prussian colours. It had two versions that differed in type of ribbon, for combatants (am Kämpferband) and for non-combatants (am Nichtkämpferband). The former wore it on black ribbon with two white stripes at its edges, while the latter had the colors reversed.
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