Iron Cross

[GoVidGo]

Went out metal detecting near an area of old 1900 houses and big old trees. I found a few old coins, nothing impressive, just some newer wheaties.

I found this iron cross about 6" down. It was totally encrusted but I could make out the shape. After starting to scrub and work the crust off, I am revealing a silver Iron Cross under it! I looks to be real silver as it is soft and looks like silver coins you dig up.

It looks like the kind the Nazis used to wear around their neck during WWII. It may be a war relic someone brought back and lost.

 

[Neil in West Jersey]

May have been silver plated. It's a good candidate for electrolysis!

 

[blade310]

Great find GOVIDGO I'd love to see that when its been cleaned up.

 

[MikeO]

Neat old find.

 

[MNCoinhunter]

Nice !!

 

[Goldmanjace]

The outside is silver (a silver frame because it was a 3 piece construction) and the black inside was mostly iron. In some cases the inside was brass or zinc but these were rare. It may be an Iron cross from WW2 or even WW 1. There are first class iron crosses with a needle on the back but yours is an Iron cross second class worn with a ribbon. Do not mistake these with the knights cross that was worn around the neck. The iron cross second class was presented and hung around the neck but not worn there after it was presented but the Knights cross was.. Never the less, very neat and interesting find.

 

[JimmyCT]

I agree with Neil in West Jersey. I bet that baby will shine like new once you cook the crud off. Keep us posted. Nice find - Jim

 

[steaua581]

nice interesting find...it needs a clean up....

regards

 

[bob.oz]

A very interesting find....WTG...Post a pic of the end result...GL

 

[GoVidGo]

I been carefully working the crust off it and got the ring loose. Based on the size and it looks like it has an '800' stamped on it... I'd say it is similar to this one I think is a German Iron Cross 2nd Class WWI 1914-1918... but I need more detail of the middle.

 

[Porschephile]

You are absolutely right! IC 2nd class WW1. 1st class had a pin on the back. The medal itself was rarely worn. Just the ribbon was typically worn. The one you see around the neck is a higher medal know as the knights cross of the iron cross which is also larger in size.