The Iron Cross: A History, 1813-1957

ISBN: 0713714603

Author: Williamson, Gordon

Condition: New

Blandford Press [Published Date: 1984]. Hardcover, 176 pp. [From front jacket flap] The Iron Cross is probably one of the world's best known decorations. It was first awarded in the 1813 'Freedom War' which ended with the defeat of Napoleon, and became so deeply embedded in Prussian and then German culture that almost every facet of life, from the National flag to cheap souvenirs, featured the Iron Cross. Gordon Williamson traces its history and design from 1813 and gives brief notes on all the principal recipients in various wars including the Napoleonic, Franco-Prussian (1870), First World War (1914-18) and Second World War (1939-45) and its 'de-nazification' in 1957. Throughout he gives full information of grades, award documents and other details ending with a look at values, collecting, restoring and recognising fakes. The author has been assisted by numerous collectors (including Dr K. G. Klieunann) as well as by surviving German veterans (including Richard Schulze, Hitler's SS Adjutant, Heinrich Springer, Knights Cross holder and Otto Weidinger, Regimental Commander in 'Das Reich' Division). Gordon Williamson has published over 30 articles on militaria in Antique Arms &Militaria, Guns, Weapons & Militaria and Military Modelling magazines and is co-author of The German Navy in World War Two with J. P. Mallmann Showell. The Iron Cross is both an invaluable reference for the collector and a unique guide to an unusual aspect of military history.