The Grand Cross of the Iron Cross
The Grand Cross of the Iron Cross represents the highest grade of the Iron Cross . First established in 1813 as a Prussian order, it was revived during the German Unification War of 1870/71 and again during the First World War (1914-1918). Finally, in 1939, it was re-established by Adolf Hitler, this time as a German order. It was thus the highest-ranking military decoration awarded in the Second World War. In over 130 years of Prussian-German military history and across four wars, it was awarded only 20 times. This underscores the preeminent position of this decoration within the German military order system.
Here is an excerpt from the original foundation charter of March 10, 1813, which justifies this outstanding position:
“The Grand Cross can only be awarded to a commander for a decisive battle won after which the enemy is forced to abandon his position, or for the capture of an important fortress, or for the sustained defense of a fortress which does not fall into enemy hands.”
Design of the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross
Similar to the other degrees of the Iron Cross, it features a core of blackened iron, surrounded by a silver frame with a ribbed decorative rim and polished edges. Attached to this frame is an eyelet through which the actual suspension ring (spring ring) was threaded.
The cross of 1813 features an oak branch with three leaves in the center of the obverse, above which is the crowned monogram of the Prussian King Frederick William, "FW." Below the branch is the year of its foundation, 1813. The reverse is black and smooth. To commemorate the first foundation of the Grand Cross in 1813, the obverse design was used as the reverse of all subsequent foundations until 1945.
The later donations after 1813 bear the monogram of the respective Prussian king, "W," in the center of the obverse. In 1870, it was for King Wilhelm I, and in 1914, for King Wilhelm II. In the 1939 donation, a swastika replaced the monogram.
On the lower arm of the cross the year of the respective foundation 1870, 1914, or 1939.
The dimensions are approximately 63 x 63 mm, making it almost twice as large as an Iron Cross 2nd Class.
Wearing the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross
The Grand Cross of the Iron Cross was worn as a neck decoration. The ribbons were initially in the Prussian colors of black and white. Upon its establishment in 1939, they were in the colors of the new flag: black, white, and red. At 55 mm, the ribbons were significantly wider than the ribbons of the Iron Cross 2nd Class or the Knight's Cross.
Award figures for the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross
The Grand Cross was awarded only 20 times in total. Among the first recipients in 1813 were Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher, Friedrich Wilhelm Bülow von Dennewitz, Crown Prince Karl Johann of Sweden, Bogislav Friedrich Emanuel von Tauentzien, and Johann David Ludwig Graf Yorck von Wartenburg.
During the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, it was awarded to Helmuth Graf von Moltke, August Karl von Goeben, Prince Friedrich Karl of Prussia, Crown Prince Albert of Saxony, August Karl von Werder, Edwin von Manteuffel, Crown Prince Friedrich Wilhelm of Prussia, King Wilhelm I of Prussia, and Grand Duke Friedrich Franz II of Mecklenburg-Schwerin.
Awarded during World War I 1914 – 1918 to Paul von Hindenburg, Kaiser Wilhelm II, August von Mackensen, Prince Leopold of Bavaria and Erich Ludendorff.
During World War II, the Grand Cross was awarded only once, on July 19, 1940, to Hermann Göring, for the German victory over France. Göring was thus the most highly decorated German of World War II. On April 23, 1945, Göring was personally stripped of the award by Adolf Hitler, who felt he had betrayed him.
Value of a Grand Cross of the Iron Cross
The value of a Grand Cross is difficult to determine due to its extreme rarity and historical significance. However, prices for an awarded piece with a certificate of wearer can be expected to be well over €100.000.
