1957 GERMAN IRON CROSS 1st CLASS -
The Iron Cross has long been held as a symbol for bravery in combat, The Germans have been employing it
as an award since the 1800's. The Iron Cross employed during WWII is very similar to that used in
WWI.
The major differences between the two periods are the dates displayed in the lower arm of the cross
and the absecense of a Swastika in the WWI type.
The award was issued in two primary types:
- First Class - Pin back construction
- Second Class - Award suspended via a ribbon
The item featured here is a post-WWII German Iron Cross first class award. Many of the soldiers who
served during WWII earned the Iron Cross. After the war, some of these soldiers went on and continued
their military service. Since the Swastika was outlawed they could not wear their original awards.
In 1957, the German government approved the manufacturing of the Iron Cross with a new design.
veterans from the war were allowed to wear it.
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The video presentation coupled with detailed photographs and written information, including a military
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The award was issued in a box with a certificate. Additional accoutrements such as ribbons could
be obtained and were authorized for wear by the recipient of the Iron Cross.
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This page is a recognition and identification guide for WWII German badges and awards. Multiple
detailed photos of a specific sample are provided. Descriptions point out clearly defined points
that should be noted.
One of the most commonly asked questions is "How much is my WWII German badge worth?". A price
guide is included here to address this question. The value of the badges and awards is reviewed
over a period of several years. A trend can be observed. The present worth of the German
badges in the collector's market is illustrated.
This service is provided free of charge to the visitor/enthusiast courtesy of
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antiques and collectibles to museums, institutions and the general public.
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This award is currently being reproduced.
It is becoming more difficult to be able to tell the fake ones from the real ones because the quality
of the reproductions is improving. The collector must become familiarized with the construction style
and materials employed in the manufacturing of this badge. Attention to the details is critical in
order to be able to determine the authenticity of the badge.
If you have an interest is seeing other badges and awards of the Third Reich, you can do so by going
to our WWII German Badges and Awards
identification guide. Where we cover Heer (Army), Navy (Kriegsmarine) and
Air Force (Luftwaffe) items.
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