*Imperial German, WW1, Medal Pair – Iron Cross 2nd Class 1914 & Friedrich August Medaille, Mounted for Wear*
A First World War Imperial German medal pair comprising:
Iron Cross 2nd Class, 1914 issue The cross retains its original three-piece construction with magnetic iron core and silvered frame. The obverse displays the crowned “W” cypher of Kaiser Wilhelm II with the date “1914” to the lower arm. The reverse (as visible) bears the crowned “FW” cypher of King Friedrich Wilhelm III, oak spray, and the date “1813,” commemorating the original institution during the Wars of Liberation.
The core is correctly magnetic and shows honest age patina. The frame displays light edge wear consistent with period use. The suspension ring bears a small stamped maker’s mark, now worn and indistinct from age, but consistent with period First World War manufacture. Its period ribbon attached. Ribbon is original style black and white, now showing service wear and fraying to the edges.
Friedrich August Medaille (Friedrich August Medal) Gilt bronze circular medal with crowned monogram of Grand Duke Friedrich August of Oldenburg within a laurel wreath. Reverse inscribed: “Friedrich August Medaille” The medal retains good detail with mellow toning and areas of gilt wear. Mounted on correct Oldenburg ribbon of yellow with two light blue stripes.
The two medals are mounted together on a period German parade bar with red felt backing and long horizontal pin fitting, indicating wartime or immediate post-war wear by the original recipient.
Historical Note:
The Iron Cross 2nd Class (Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse) 1914 was instituted by Kaiser Wilhelm II at the outbreak of the First World War. Awarded for acts of bravery in the face of the enemy, it became one of the most recognisable decorations of Imperial Germany. The 1914 issue continued the design lineage established in 1813 and reauthorised in 1870.
The Friedrich August Medaille was a state decoration of the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg instituted by Grand Duke Friedrich August II of Oldenburg in 1907 and was primarily awarded to men serving in Oldenburg regiments of the Imperial German Army, typically recognising sustained bravery, merit, or distinguished conduct in frontline service—most often trench warfare on the Western Front with units such as Oldenburg Infantry Regiment Nr. 91.
The presence of both awards strongly suggests service in, or attachment to, an Oldenburg formation within the German Army during the Great War.
*Condition*
Both medals are genuine period pieces showing honest service wear. The Iron Cross core is magnetic and intact, with surface patina and minor oxidation consistent with age. The silvered frame shows light rubbing to high points. Ribbon is original but frayed at the edges. The Friedrich August Medaille shows even wear with gilt loss and age spotting to the obverse and reverse. Ribbon remains bright but with minor handling marks. Mount is period with red felt backing and functional long pin; some age wear visible to felt and stitching. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
