Germany, Imperial. An 1870 Iron Cross, I Class Newly Listed by Permission of the Controller

by Permission of the Controller

reverse is 40

coded "L" on March 23

Constructed of gilded bronze and red enamels

with an intact hinge cover

Germany, Imperial. An 1870 Iron Cross, I Class Newly Listed by Permission of the Controller(Kniglich Preuischen Eisernen Kreuz von 1870). A beautiful 1870 cross patte with a blackened iron core (magnetic) within a ribbed border, set in a pleasingly toned silver frame with a silver base plate, the obverse with a raised central W, with the re institution date 1870 in raised numbering on the lower arm, and the royal crown on the upper arm, the reverse with a vertical pinback, a barrel hinge, and a round wire catch, with one prong remaining