Order of the Iron Helmet, Breast Cross (on German Cross)

CATEGORY: Version

SKU: 01.HSK.0104.102.01.001

Estimated market value:

$6,000 USD

  • Order of the Iron Helmet, Breast Cross (on German Cross) Obverse

Estimated market value:

$6,000 USD

Attributes

  • Country
    Germany
  • Composition
    Iron/Silver
  • Inscription
    Obv: W K 1814
  • Size
    39x58mm
  • Image Licensing
    The image of the Order of the Iron Helmet, Breast Cross (on German Cross) is a scanned image from the book "Handbuch der Ritter- und Verdienstorden" by Maximilian Gritzner. The book was published in 1893, and falls within the public domain in Canada {{PD-Canada-anon}} and the United States {{PD-1923}}. It is in the public domain in its country of origin and other countries and areas where the copyright term is the author's life plus 70 years or less.

Physical Description and Item Details


A cross pattée, constructed of iron and silver. The cross is made of iron with silver borders, with a superimposed helmet. The top of the helmet is decorated with five feathers, it features a silver visor and a silver lion’s head above. The breastplate below the helmet features a silver shield with the monogram ‘WK’. The 6 o’clock arm of the cross features the date ‘1814’. The reverse is smooth with the maker mark ‘KOMPFF’. Crosses without maker mark exist, these may or may not be authentic. On loop for suspension, on a magenta-coloured ribbon with white side stripes, changed at an unknown date to a red ribbon with broad white borders.

History


The Order of the Iron Helmet was established by Elector Wilhelm I and was conferred upon military personnel who fought in the Liberation Wars against France.

The order could be conferred upon individuals who fought in allied forces.

The statutes stated that the knights of the order from every region should have their names listed on a plaque, and the plaque should be displayed in the community church.

The Breast Cross was awarded together with the I Class Decoration. The II Class Decoration is identical to the I Class Decoration, yet lacks the Breast Cross.

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