WWII German Iron Cross 2nd Class 1939 with Packet

Description

WWII German Iron Cross 2nd Class 1939

This WWII German Iron Cross 2nd Class 1939 is an impressive collector set consisting of the Iron Cross Second Class, its characteristic black-white-red ribbon and an accompanying period paper packet printed “Eisernes Kreuz II. Klasse 1939.”

Known in German as the Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse 1939 and commonly abbreviated by collectors as EK2 or EK II, the Iron Cross was one of the most recognisable German military decorations of the Second World War.

The decoration was reinstituted in September 1939 at the beginning of the Second World War, continuing the tradition of the earlier Iron Cross established in 1813. The Second Class was awarded for military merit and acts of bravery and was normally the first grade of the Iron Cross received by a serviceman.

Classic Iron Cross 2nd Class construction

The WWII German Iron Cross 2nd Class 1939 displays the instantly recognisable cross pattée form.

The obverse features a black central field with the period emblem positioned in the centre and the date:

1939

on the lower arm.

The reverse carries the traditional original institution date:

1813

on the lower arm.

The central black core is surrounded by the characteristic raised ribbed border and external silver-coloured frame.

This construction style is characteristic of wartime Iron Cross Second Class awards. Surviving examples frequently show varying degrees of darkening, oxidation, wear to the silver finish and loss to the blackened central surface.

Period ribbon

Also included is the characteristic WWII Iron Cross Second Class ribbon in:

black – white – red – white – black

The ribbon visible in the photographs shows substantial genuine-looking age and use, including folds, fraying, small loose fibres and general wear.

These imperfections are important to the character of the set and have not been hidden or restored.

The suspension ring remains attached to the upper loop of the cross.

Eisernes Kreuz II. Klasse 1939 packet

One of the strongest collector features of this set is the accompanying paper packet.

The front is printed in traditional German Gothic script:

Eisernes Kreuz
II. Klasse
1939

Period issue packets of this type were used for the presentation and storage of the Iron Cross Second Class. Surviving packets have become collectible objects in their own right, particularly when preserved together with an Iron Cross and ribbon. Comparable specialist references document these packets bearing precisely this type of printed designation.

The packet shows considerable age, including creasing, surface wear, discolouration, softened corners and small areas of paper loss. These characteristics are clearly visible in the photographs.

Historical significance

The Iron Cross has a much longer history than the Third Reich period. The decoration originated in Prussia in 1813, and later versions appeared during the Franco-Prussian War and First World War before the 1939 version was established.

The reverse date 1813 deliberately references this earlier origin, while 1939 on the obverse identifies the WWII-era institution of the award.

For collectors, this makes the Iron Cross an important link between several periods of German military history.

Condition

This example is preserved in clearly used condition.

Visible characteristics include:

• original-looking age patina
• darkened black central core
• wear to the silver-coloured frame
• small surface marks
• oxidation and toning
• wear and fraying to the ribbon
• aged and creased paper packet
• intact suspension loop and ring
• clearly visible 1939 and 1813 dates

I would not clean or restore this piece. Its current patina and wear are part of its historical character.

The photographs show the actual item offered and form an important part of the condition description.

Collecting an Iron Cross 2nd Class with packet

A WWII German Iron Cross 2nd Class 1939 preserved together with ribbon and packet is considerably more desirable than a loose cross alone.

The set is particularly suitable for collections focused on:

German WWII medals, Iron Crosses, military decorations, German awards, EK2 variants, wartime paper packets and historical militaria.

Offered as an original period piece on the basis of the features described above.

This historical item is offered exclusively for collecting, preservation, research and educational purposes. Political symbols visible on the decoration are integral elements of its original historical design and are not presented in support of any ideology.
For collectors studying the standard 1939 Iron Cross system, including EK1 and EK2 identification, construction and authenticity, see our complete Iron Cross 1939 guide.

Further Reading

For historical background, see Deutsches Historisches Museum: “Ehrenzeichen”, on the history of German decorations.

Historical Responsibility Notice: this item is offered as a historical artefact for collecting, preservation, education and research. It does not endorse or glorify any ideology.

The Collector’s Encyclopaedia: for historical background and authentication notes, see Iron Cross 1939 and Iron Cross from 1813 to 1945.