Iron Cross

[Viddy]

Went out metal detecting near an area of old 1900 houses and big old trees. I found a few old coins, nothing impressive, just some newer wheaties.
I found this iron cross about 6" down. It was totally encrusted but I could make out the shape. After starting to scrub and work the crust off, I am revealing a silver Iron Cross under it! I looks to be real silver as it is soft and looks like silver coins you dig up.
It looks like the kind the Nazis used to wear around their neck during WWII. It may be a war relic someone brought back and lost.

 

[alderan33]

Awesome find!! That silver should clean up nicely. Be sure to post pics after cleaning.

 

[materdigger1]

Awsome fine Viddy

 

[worldtalker]

Good candidate for electrolysis,Like to see what it really looks like! God Bless Chris

 

[kam50]

Cool Iron Cross viddy.

 

[CREEKGEEK]

Cant wait to see what it looks like underneath. Make sure you post it

 

[wetfly]

That will look great!! Cool cross!!

 

[NOLA_Ken]

Careful, the iron can be brittle, try the vinegar soak on it. It's definitely an Iron Cross 2cd class, could be WW1, WW2 or the post war model, no way to tell without seeing the center. These were actually not worn on the uniform, only the ribbon in the pockethole, although some were mounted for parade and fancy dress uniforms. The 1st class has a pin, or a screw back and was worn on the left breast. The one worn around the neck is the Knights Cross and has a different suspension ring, and is a bit larger. Check on the ring, and on the frame near the ring for a makers mark, some makers are very rare and even in relic condition bring a premium.

Makers of the 1914 EK2 This is a list of WW1 era makers, but many were still making medals for WW2 and later.....

Oh, and the frame is definitely silver.

 

[fmrUSMC_0844]

Careful, the iron can be brittle, try the vinegar soak on it. It's definitely an Iron Cross 2cd class, could be WW1, WW2 or the post war model, no way to tell without seeing the center. These were actually not worn on the uniform, only the ribbon in the pockethole, although some were mounted for parade and fancy dress uniforms. The 1st class has a pin, or a screw back and was worn on the left breast. The one worn around the neck is the Knights Cross and has a different suspension ring, and is a bit larger. Check on the ring, and on the frame near the ring for a makers mark, some makers are very rare and even in relic condition bring a premium.

Makers of the 1914 EK2 This is a list of WW1 era makers, but many were still making medals for WW2 and later.....

Oh, and the frame is definitely silver.

You beat me to this one. I used to be a collector of WWII German militaria. That is an awesome find. Looks like we will find out what era it is from if it cleans up well. Nice find!!!
If i am not mistaken the frame is 800 silver.

 

[NOLA_Ken]

If i am not mistaken the frame is 800 silver.

I think you are right, i was thinking it was coin silver.....

 

[jewelerguy]

sweet find. hope to see it cleaned up

 

[Westfront]

Careful, the iron can be brittle, try the vinegar soak on it. It's definitely an Iron Cross 2cd class, could be WW1, WW2 or the post war model, no way to tell without seeing the center. These were actually not worn on the uniform, only the ribbon in the pockethole, although some were mounted for parade and fancy dress uniforms. The 1st class has a pin, or a screw back and was worn on the left breast. The one worn around the neck is the Knights Cross and has a different suspension ring, and is a bit larger. Check on the ring, and on the frame near the ring for a makers mark, some makers are very rare and even in relic condition bring a premium.

Makers of the 1914 EK2 This is a list of WW1 era makers, but many were still making medals for WW2 and later.....

Oh, and the frame is definitely silver.

You're right Ken. My guess is WWII EK2. Unfortunately the iron in the center is really brittle so it will fall out. Most times it is cracked also. But it will leave the nice silver surrounding and makes a great piece for display when cleaned up!

Congrats on a nice find Viddy!

 

[Aquila]

Very nice. Congrats.

 

[okerraine]

I totally agree with worldtalker, electrolysis all the way

 

[JClay]

That is cool. Can't wait to see it cleaned up.

 

[Viddy]

I been carefully working the crust off it and got the ring loose. Based on the size and it looks like it has an '800' stamped on it... I'd say it is similar to this one I think is a German Iron Cross 2nd Class WWI 1914-1918... but I need more detail of the middle.

 

[NOLA_Ken]

How's the cleaning coming along?

 

[Rogue Relic Hunter]

we have such a cool hobby. cant wait to see this cleaned up.

dug an iron cross surfer's cross tonight. from research i did online, prob 1960's. not near as cool as your find though. but, I was out in the woods looking for civil war bullets.

best of luck getting it clean!