A silver and iron construction Iron Cross 2nd Class, instituted in 1870 by Kaiser Wilhelm I during the Franco-Prussian War. The obverse displays the crowned “W” cipher and date “1870,” while the reverse bears the crowned cipher “FW” (Friedrich Wilhelm III) with oak leaves and the date “1813,” denoting the original institution of the decoration. Suspended from the original black-and-white combat ribbon, this example includes a silver oakleaf device inscribed “25,” signifying a veteran of 25 years’ standing since the 1870 award. Above is affixed a World War I veteran’s clasp (Spange) featuring a miniature Iron Cross with date “1914,” officially authorized for Franco-Prussian War veterans who again served in the First World War. A rare and historically significant example of continuous service across both wars. Dimensions: Cross 1.75 x 1.75 inches; overall with ribbon 4.25 inches. Provenance: The Estate of Walter Redling, Encino, Ca. Pickup & Shipping: Free Gardnerville, NV pickup. $25 per invoice in Sacramento pickup, CA. Shipping via FedEx within the continental U.S. for $50 + 1.5% insurance (unless waived in writing). Combined lot shipping available. A silver and iron construction Iron Cross 2nd Class, instituted in 1870 by Kaiser Wilhelm I during the Franco-Prussian War. The obverse displays the crowned “W” cipher and date “1870,” while the reverse bears the crowned cipher “FW” (Friedrich Wilhelm III) with oak leaves and the date “1813,” denoting the original institution of the decoration. Suspended from the original black-and-white combat ribbon, this example includes a silver oakleaf device inscribed “25,” signifying a veteran of 25 years’ standing since the 1870 award. Above is affixed a World War I veteran’s clasp (Spange) featuring a miniature Iron Cross with date “1914,” officially authorized for Franco-Prussian War veterans who again served in the First World War. A rare and historically significant example of continuous service across both wars.Dimensions: Cross 1.75 x 1.75 inches; overall with ribbon 4.25 inches.Provenance: The Estate of Walter Redling, Encino, Ca.Pickup & Shipping: Free Sacramento pickup. Shipping via FedEx within the continental U.S. for $50 + 1.5% insurance (unless waived in writing). Combined lot shipping available.