The Iron Cross 2nd Class in its 1939 version represents a significant decoration in German military history, awarded during the Second World War. The example described here was manufactured by the renowned firm Meybauer Berlin and features the characteristic Schinkel form with an iron core.

The Iron Cross was originally instituted on March 10, 1813 by King Frederick William III of Prussia during the Wars of Liberation against Napoleon. The famous architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel designed the characteristic form of this decoration, distinguished by its clear, neo-Gothic lines. After World War I, the Iron Cross was discontinued in 1918.

On September 1, 1939, the day of the German invasion of Poland and thus the beginning of World War II, Adolf Hitler renewed the institution of the Iron Cross by decree. The 1939 version differed from previous versions through the added swastika in the medallion center and the date “1939” on the lower arm. The reverse side retained the date “1813” to emphasize historical continuity with the original foundation.

The Meybauer firm of Berlin was among the officially authorized manufacturers of this decoration. Each approved manufacturer had its own maker's mark, typically applied to the reverse or suspension ring. The production of these orders was subject to strict quality controls and had to meet standards prescribed by the Presidential Chancellery.

The iron core is an essential characteristic of authentic Iron Crosses. The orders consisted of a three-part construction: an iron core surrounded by a silver-colored frame made of silver-plated base metal, nickel silver, or other alloys. The iron core could be magnetic and was susceptible to corrosion, which is why many examples today show traces of rust.

The Iron Cross 2nd Class was worn on a black-white-red ribbon threaded through the upper arm of the cross. After award, the recipient wore the ribbon in the second buttonhole of the uniform jacket; the cross itself was only worn on the day of presentation and on special occasions. The 2nd Class was the lower of two grades of the Iron Cross and had to be earned as a prerequisite for the award of the 1st Class.

The award criteria were established in the Regulation on the Renewal of the Iron Cross. The 2nd Class was awarded for bravery before the enemy or for outstanding military service. During World War II, an estimated several million Iron Crosses 2nd Class were awarded, making it one of the most frequently awarded German military decorations of this period.

The Schinkel form with its characteristic flared arms and clear geometric design remained constant across all periods. This form became the symbol of German military decorations par excellence and influenced the design of numerous later orders and medals.

After the end of World War II in 1945, wearing the Iron Cross with swastika was prohibited in Germany. The Allies ordered the denazification of all orders. Later, in the Federal Republic of Germany, a “denazified” version was developed in which the swastika could be replaced with oak leaves, allowing bearers to continue wearing their legitimately earned decorations.

Today, Iron Crosses manufactured in 1939 are significant military-historical collector's items. Examples by the Meybauer firm are valued by collectors for their quality and historical significance. When evaluating such pieces, factors such as condition, maker's marks, material execution, and provenance play an important role.