Oldenburg's Friedrich-August-Kreuz II. Klasse  (Friedrich-August Cross 2nd Class) was established on 24 September 1914 by Grand Duke Friedrich-August of the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg in 2 classes.  It was awarded for combatant or non-combatant meritorious service. 

The Friedrich August Cross was Oldenburg's equivalent of the Prussian Iron Cross.  Like the Iron Cross, it came in two classes - a pinback 1st Class and a 2nd Class worn from a ribbon. The 1st Class (Steckkreuz) was only awarded to recipients of the 2nd Class.  It ceased to be awarded after WWI.  Figures available indicate that 27,515 2nd Class awards were made of the between 24 September 1914 and 31 December 1916 with possibly 60,000 being awarded in total. 

It is approximately 38.5 x 38.5 mm up to 40.5 x 40.55 mm, normally about 3mm thick, and weighes about 19.25 to 23.6 grams with the ring (note that the metal used often did not match the cross' metal, although it was supposed to).  It was made from a variety of materials (usually iron - making it responsive to a magnet test, buntmetal, or zinc) and typically painted or lacquered.  The cross obverse has FA centered and surrounded by a flat circle with a finely detailed thick crown above centered on the 12:00 arm.  The 6:00 arm has the date 1914 centered.  Both the 3:00 and 9:00 arms are plain.  The cross has a circled leaf spray at about mid-point.  The reverse is plain except for an inner flat circular ring and raised cross border.  The reverse may be hallmarked with the location varying with the maker (sometimes found on the ring) and is usually flat.  The silk combatants ribbon is 35 mm wide dark blue with a 5 mm dark red stripe approaching within 2 mm of each edge.  The silk non-combatants ribbon is 35 mm wide dark red with a 5 mm dark blue  stripe approaching within 2 mm of each edge. 

A clasp (35.2 mm x 6.7 mm, 2.5 grams) to the combatant Friedrich August Cross 2nd Class was established on 20 September 1918 by Grand Duke Friedrich-August of the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg.  This represented an award for service on the front and began to be awarded with the cross.  The clasp was usually in the same material as the cross and was a long bordered rectangle with VOR DEM FEINDE in raised lettering.  It was originally attached to the ribbon with 2 flat non-pointed prong backs.  Previous awards were not included, however a provision was made that those entitled may purchase a clasp. Some of the privately purchased clasps were of the slip-on type 34.25 to 35.2 mm x 6.7 to 6.9 mm, weighing 2.1 to 2.5 grams.  The clasp in a miniature form was also worn on the miniature ribbon bar, if authorized.

You can expect to pay over $75 for an average original example, rarely not much less and sometimes doubled this price.  My best advice is:  Buy one from a specialist dealer who will offer you a 100% guarantee.

There are copies of this cross on the market (which typically have an eBay start price of under $15).  Please review my guide for the Friedrich-August Cross 2nd Class buntmetal copy (http://reviews.ebay.com/A-new-forgery-Friedrich-August-Cross-1st-Class_W0QQugidZ10000000002678298) and the clasp  http://reviews.ebay.com/VOR-DEM-FEINDE-clasp-Friedrich-August-Cross-2nd-Class_W0QQugidZ10000000002681070.  For further information on medals, please see my other guides and blog (http://blogs.ebay.com/tsa-li).  Thanks for viewing!