Historical Context
Editorially reviewedFriedrich Wilhelm III founded the decoration on 10 March 1813 during the Prussian struggle against Napoleonic France, backdating the foundation document to the birthday of Queen Luise. The king sketched its form and Karl Friedrich Schinkel refined the design. Initially conceived for that conflict, the Iron Cross was instituted again in 1870 and 1914, making the date and royal cipher essential for separating historical patterns.
Provenance: Based on the Deutsches Historisches Museum’s catalogued 1813 second-class non-combatant example and institutional history. The documented object is lacquered cast iron with silver and ribbon; its class and suspension must be identified rather than inferred solely from the cross silhouette.
Research status: reviewed · reviewed 23/08/2026
Sources
3 referencesEisernes Kreuz, II. Klasse 1813, am Band für Nichtkämpfer
Deutsches Historisches Museum, catalogue no. 22b, inv. O 60/85. (Deutsches Historisches Museum)
Supports: Documents an 1813 second-class non-combatant Iron Cross, its founder, foundation date, materials, ribbon and dimensions.
Deutsches Historisches Museum, “Ehrenzeichen.” (Deutsches Historisches Museum)
Supports: Documents the two classes and Grand Cross, the 10 March 1813 foundation and eligibility regardless of social origin, confession, rank or status.
Wofür streiten wir: Für die Nation?
Deutsches Historisches Museum, “Wofür streiten wir: Für die Nation?” (Deutsches Historisches Museum)
Supports: Supports Friedrich Wilhelm III’s sketch, Schinkel’s refinement, the Queen Luise association and the 1870 and First World War reinstitutions.
How to cite this page
Iron Cross — Prussian Military Decoration, 1813 Pattern. Sanctum Hex Vault. Reviewed 23/08/2026. https://vault.sanctumhex.com/symbols/historically-documented-military-symbols-and-insignia-rank-branch-unit-and-identification-devices-from-c-1700-1918-iron-cross-prussian-military-decoration-1813-pattern
https://vault.sanctumhex.com/symbols/historically-documented-military-symbols-and-insignia-rank-branch-unit-and-identification-devices-from-c-1700-1918-iron-cross-prussian-military-decoration-1813-patternMilitary Decoration
Iron Cross — Prussian Military Decoration, 1813 Pattern
Prussia’s blackened-iron cross with silver edging was instituted by Friedrich Wilhelm III on 10 March 1813 for service in the wars against Napoleon.
Own this Symbol
£0.99
Final price payable in GBP.
Commercial Licence Included · Lifetime file updates
Associated meanings
Common Uses
Purchase & Download
Purchase this symbol or a collection containing it to unlock the downloadable files.
