WWI German Iron Cross 2nd Class Maker Marked MFH for Max Fleck, Hamburg

Description

An Original Iron Cross 2nd class, also known in German as Eisernes Kreuz 1914 2nd Klasse.
Maker marked MFH on the suspension ring for Max Fleck of Hamburg, a well known for making their own Iron Cores.
Most Iron Cross makers bought their iron cores from a distributor, Max Fleck made their own. Easily recognizable by the size of the crown. Silver plated nickel frame and plated tombac alloy ring marked MFH. Very unique construction and a sought-after piece.
Three piece construction. Silver Frame with Iron Core.
German Cap Cockade included with purchase.
Instituted in 1813 and re-instituted 5 August 1914 for the Great War. 1914-1918 issue, Constructed of silver, consisting of a Cross Pattée with a blackened iron core within a ribbed silver frame, the obverse with a central initial “W”, the six o’clock arm with a reinstitution date of “1914”, the twelve o’clock arm with a royal crown, the reverse with three central oak leaves, the six o’clock arm with an initial institution date of “1813”, the twelve o’clock arm with initials “FW” topped by a royal crown.