Question About The Iron Cross

[Zeppelin Kapitan Fritz]

     I am about to buy an original 1914 Eisernes Kreuz (Iron Cross) for my fledgling militaria collection. I am not sure if it is a 1st class or a 2nd class, I believe they are identical and are just worn differently. I plan on framing the medal and putting it on my wall. However, I am a bit concerned that I might be disrespecting the person who earned the medal. I figure the least I can do is display it properly. Is there any protocol for how the Iron Cross is displayed when not being worn (and I would not even consider wearing it)? I have no idea and, although I probably could figure it out, I figured that one of you guys might know (there being several militaria collectors on this forum).

[Captain Lyerly]

Just remembering that it is a medal awarded for bravery, and displaying it properly, is enough.  If the original ribbon was with it, that could be displayed as well; as it is, you will be doing fine. 

Unless you know the provenance, it really is hard to go any further than that.  If you knew the name of the original awardee, it would be really great to have a picture of him or a short bio to go in the frame...  But that sort of information is exceeding rare.  I found a 1914 in my family's effects, with just a trail of perishing ribbon; I know it was brought back my my great-uncle, who was over there with the Field Artillery (and assisted at the Armistice and the Peace Treaty in Paris), but I don't know if he got it as a battle-field prize or just bought it on a street corner.  No info at all.

Good luck with your collection!



Chas.