The ribbon for the Iron Cross 2nd Class 1914 described here represents a significant chapter in Prussian and German military history. This narrow ribbon, measuring 25 mm in width and 150 mm in length, was manufactured in the typical style for ribbon bars and remained unworn, which explains its state of preservation.
The Iron Cross was instituted on March 10, 1813, by King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia during the Wars of Liberation against Napoleon. The characteristic black and white coloring of the ribbon – with white outer stripes and black inner stripes – symbolized the Prussian national colors. To renew this decoration on the occasion of World War I, Emperor Wilhelm II issued a foundation charter on August 5, 1914, which reintroduced the Iron Cross in three classes (1st Class, 2nd Class, and Grand Cross).
The 2nd Class of the Iron Cross was worn on a ribbon that was attached through a button in the third or fourth buttonhole of the uniform jacket. After World War I, it became customary to wear only the ribbon on the ribbon bar, not the entire cross. This allowed wearers to present multiple decorations simultaneously in a compact space.
The Honor Cross for Combatants, also known as the Hindenburg Cross, was instituted by Reich President Paul von Hindenburg on July 13, 1934. This decoration was intended to honor veterans of World War I and was awarded in three grades: for combatants, for war participants, and for surviving dependents. The Honor Cross for Combatants was awarded to all soldiers who had actively participated in combat operations. The ribbon displayed the colors black-white-red, the colors of the German Empire, symbolizing continuity with the Imperial era.
The Prussian Service Award had its roots in the 19th century. King Friedrich Wilhelm III instituted the General Honor Badges for Military Personnel on January 18, 1825, which were later modified several times. These decorations were awarded for various lengths of service – typically after 9, 15, 21, and 25 years of faithful service. The ribbon was in the Prussian colors of black and white, with the specific arrangement varying according to the version.
The combination of these three ribbons on one ribbon bar was quite common during the Weimar Republic and the early National Socialist period. Many veterans of World War I wore their decorations with pride, even though they lived under a new political order. The narrow execution of 25 mm width corresponds to the manufacturing standards of the time for ribbon bars, which enabled a compact and orderly presentation of multiple decorations.
The fact that this ribbon remained unworn could have various reasons. It may have been acquired as a replacement, or the intended wearer never had the opportunity to attach it. In the collector's market, such unused pieces are particularly sought after, as they are often preserved in excellent condition and display the original colors and materials without wear.
The manufacture of such ribbons was carried out by specialized ribbon weaving mills and military effects manufacturers. The quality of the ribbons varied depending on the manufacturer and the time of production. During World War I and especially toward the end of the Weimar Republic, both high-quality and simpler versions were produced to meet demand.
Today, such ribbon combinations are important historical testimonies of German military history between 1914 and 1945. They document the orders system, military tradition, and the manner in which veterans presented their merits. For military historians and collectors, they offer valuable insights into the material culture of the period and the continuity of military honors across different political systems.
