From the beginning of time, religious beliefs have played a large role
in war and conflicts: from the crusades, through the American Revolution,
World War II, Vietnam and present day Kosovo, including every battle in
between and yet to come. Due to the impact religious beliefs have on military
altercations it seems only natural that religious symbolism be used in
military decoration of all types.
With every battle being fought for "God and country" it is only logical
that some of the most honorable military decorations and awards in the
world contain religious symbols. I believe it is somewhat safe to say that
the cross, though used in several variations, is perhaps the most widely
used religious symbol in military decoration.
Of all the military crosses, the most infamous is Germany's IRON CROSS. Thanks to the negative impact Adolf Hitler has left upon civilization, the Iron Cross has become tainted, and it is unlikely over time that present and future generations will be able to view the iron cross as a glorious medal that represents bravery and heroism. The Iron Cross is quite often confused with the Maltese Cross, when in fact the crosses only have similar shapes. The shape of each cross actually evolved from the cross pat`ee; the Iron Cross retains the actual shape of the cross pat`ee, the Maltese cross however has deep V cuts into each arm of the cross forming the eight-pointed cross of the Knights of Malta. The significant difference between the two remains in their meaning and place in history.
The Maltese Cross
The Maltese cross, used as an identifying insignia on the habit of
the Knights of Malta, was for the purpose of identifying themselves from
their enemies. The Knights of Malta, also known as the Knights of St. John
or the "hospitialers" was a religious order founded by Amalfitian merchants
around the year 1070. The purpose of the order was to aid and care for
pilgrims making the journey to the Holy Land. In 1136 the knights became
a fully militarized order. The Knights driven out of Syria had been fleeing
years of persecution by Islamic forces acquired Malta as their Sovereign
Land from Charles V of Spain in 1530. This is the time that the Maltese
Cross evolved into the present day form. The cross is described as a white
eight pointed cross. The eight points of the cross are believed to represent
the eight vows the knights had to observe:
1) live in truth;
2) have faith;
3) repent of sins;
4) give proof of humility;
5) love justice;
6) be merciful;
7) be sincere and whole hearted;
8) endure persecution.
Although many countries and organizations throughout the world use crosses
that are similar if not exact in shape to the Maltese Cross, the fact remains
that the Maltese Cross has its own specific purpose and should not be confused
with other decorations or medals that have their own purpose.
The Iron Cross
The iron cross was originally introduced in 1813 by Kaiser Frederic Wilhelm and designed by Karl Friedrich as a campaign medal award- ed for acts of heroism, bravery and leadership. The original iron cross consisted of a blackened iron core in the shape of the cross patt`ee, surrounded by a two-piece silver frame that is soldered together. The center of the cross has a sprig of three oak leaves, while the upper arm has the cipher FW (Frederic Willhelm) surmounted by the Prussian crown, and the lower arm has 1813 for the year of introduction; the reverse of the medal is plain. The iron cross reintroduced in the Franco Prussian War of 1870 - 1871 and in the First World War 1914 - 1918 differed only slightly from the original. The face of the medal was altered by placing the cipher W in the center of the cross, the Prussian cross on the upper arm and the year of the individual war on the bottom arm. The reverse of the medal was the same as the face of the original iron cross.
Adolf Hitler reintroduced the iron cross for the last time on Sept. 1st, 1939. Once again the decoration of the cross was altered. The cipher W was replaced with the Swastika, and the lower arm the year date 1939, the reverse only has the introduction date 1813 on the lower arm.
There are three classifications of the iron cross; the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross, the Iron Cross first class and the Iron Cross second class. The crosses of each class look identical, the designation between them is the manner in which they are worn. The Grand Cross was slightly larger than than the first and second class crosses and was worn around the neck from a ribbon. The Iron Cross first class was either a pinned back or a screw back medal worn on the left side of the recipient's uniform. The Iron Cross second class was worn suspended from a ribbon on the left side of the recipient's uniform.
The first three periods of introduction had a non-combatant's version of the Iron Cross and were awarded regardless of nationality. The designation between the combatant's and non-combatant version were the orders in which the colors on the ribbons appeared. The combatant ribbon would have strips of color in the following order; black, white, broad black, white, black. The non-combatant's version would be the reverse; white, black, broad white, black, white. This is the only differen- tiation between the two versions. The 1939 version of the Iron Cross was awarded in seven grades:
1) Iron Cross second class
2) Iron Cross 1st class
3) Knights Cross of the Iron Cross
4) Knights Cross of the Iron Cross with oak leaves
5) Knights Cross of the Iron Cross with oak leaves and swords
6) Knights Cross of the Iron Cross with oak leaves, swords and diamonds
7) Grand Cross of the Iron Cross.
Hitler did not reintroduce the non- combatant version of the Iron Cross. He instead established the War Merit Cross. The ribbon colors of the Iron Cross were also changed in 1939. The colors were black, white, broad brick red, white, black; the broad red stripe was instituted into the ribbon to represent the blood shed in the First World War.
First and second class versions of the World War I and II Iron Crosses
are common and are not a rare find. Prices range depending on condition
and class. To purchase a 1914 Iron Cross first class one should plan on
spending a minimum of $50 for one in below average to average condition;
to purchase one in average to above average condition one will probably
have to spend between $125 and $350.
The price should reflect the condition, silver content of the medal,
and the condition of the box in which the medal was presented. A 1914 Iron
Cross second class in average condition can be found for as little as $25,
however I have seen them as high as $400 for identified combatant boxed
medals. 1939 Iron Crosses first class range in price from $85 to $100 for
one in average condition, or as much as $225 for a boxed one in excellent
condition. The 1939 Iron Cross second class is the most affordable; a cross
in excellent condition with ribbon can be found for as little as $35 to
as much as $100 for one in mint condition with the issue envelope. The
1813 and 1870 Iron Crosses are not that common in either class and generally
start at around $500 and go up, depending on class and condition. Grand
Crosses and the other four grades of the 1939 Iron Cross are not considered
common medals due to the limited numbers awarded.
The meaning behind the Iron Cross represents the same principal value as other cross medals such as the British Military Cross, Victoria Cross, or the United States Distinguished Flying Cross, Navy Cross, or Army Distin- guished Service Cross. It is unfortunate that the Iron Cross is not held in such high esteem as these other medals.
Next month I will continue with the crosses of Germany, the United States and Great Britain. The price structure above reflects several market conditions and should not be used as an absolute guide in purchasing iron crosses. I have found that not everyone is willing to pay these prices and others are willing to pay more. The final decision in purchasing must come from the buyer.
About the author: Marie Brown is the owner of Chicken Coop Antiques
at Effingham Falls on Route 153 North in Effingham, NH. Her shop is open
daily from 10am to 4pm and carries a full line of antiques. Address questions
or comments to: Marie Brown, PO. Box 216, W. Ossipee, N.H. 03890