Germany, Imperial. A Superb 1870 Grand Cross of the Iron Cross, Exhibition Example, c. 1900 Auction reverse centre featuring the inscription

reverse centre featuring the inscription MERITO CIVIL (Civil Merit) on a silver gilded field

VIRGINIA / HONOR AND SACRIFICE"

on an equally forest-green embroidered backer

measuring 392 mm (w) 35

with four at both the top and bottom

Germany, Imperial. A Superb 1870 Grand Cross of the Iron Cross, Exhibition Example, c. 1900 Auction reverse centre featuring the inscription(Grokreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes 1870, Museumsstck). Constructed of iron and silver, consisting of a Cross Patte with a blackened magnetic iron core within a ribbed silver frame, the obverse with a central initial W, the six oclock arm with a reinstitution date of 1870, the twelve oclock arm with a royal crown, the reverse with three central oak leaves, the six oclock arm with an initial institution date of 1813, the twelve oclock arm with initials FW