This guide will cover only the Prussian 1870 Iron Cross 2nd Class devices.  The Eiserne Kreuz (Iron Cross - often abbreviated EK or IC) was originally instituted on 10 March 1813 by the Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm III and was re-introduced by Kaiser Wilhelm II (acting as the King of Prussia) in 1870.  It was awarded for bravery in the field - without regard to rank or status - during the Franco-Prussian War.   The 1870 Iron Cross reverse was designed in 1813 by Karl Friedrich Schinkel, a famous Prussian sculptor and architect.  All recipients were entitled to at least one other medal - as a minimum, the 1870/71 Franco Prussian War Medal (with clasps, if applicable) and the overwealming majority also had the 1897 Centenary Medal. 

The 1870 Eiserne Kreuz II. Klasse or Iron Cross 2nd Class had 2 different devices authorized for wear:

• Silver Oak Leaf with 25 centered which was awarded to commemorate the 25th Aniversary of the institution of the 1870 Iron Cross.  This was normally of a prong attachment style which was attached to the ribbon close to the suspension ring.  However, some jeweler's examples can be found which have the suspension ring attached.  A 1870 Iron Crosses 2nd Class 25th Anniversary oak leaf cluster was sold on eBay in March 2007.  

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• The WWI 2nd award device is a rectangular silver bar approximately 35mm wide with a miniature 1914 Iron Cross centered, slightly extending above and below the horizontal edges, with the blackened and detailed as an integral part.  Most of theses clasps are of the slip-on type but a few can be found with prong backs.  Jeweler's examples are often hallmarked on the reverse.  A 1870 Iron Crosses 2nd Class 2nd award clasp for WWI was sold on eBay in April 2007 - made by Joh. Wagner & Sohn, Berlin and 3 hallmarks:  half-moon, crown, and 800 (€431 - ca. $583).

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The Iron Cross:  A History, 1813-1957 (Gordon Williamson) and The Iron Time:  A History of the Iron Cross (Stephen Thomas Previteria) are two excellent references that should be consulted but there are many other excellent works as well.  A review of most Imperial German unit histories typically list the number of 1870 Iron Crosses 2nd Class that were awarded and, sometimes, biographical information with illustrations.  The German Decorations & Orders Society (BDOS) publishes outstanding detailed information as well.

Jeweler's copies were made for the recipients who had lost or damaged their Iron Crosses devices or who wanted a better quality.  Some of the jeweler's copies carry hallmarks and/or maker's marks which aids in identification - but not all - and some of these are made of iron, making them responsive to a magnet test.  It is best to obtain one through a Prussian medal specialist with a full guarantee.  

Copies and forgeries are known.  Most copies (typically cast) are made for collectors or re-enactors who require an example and typically sell for about $50 to $100.  Please review my copy medal guide http://reviews.ebay.com/Worldwide-Military-Medals-Copy-Medal_W0QQugidZ10000000001875117 for a more detailed explanation.  The forgeries are typically struck from dies.  This can be difficult to detect but a trained specialist can make that determination through an analysis of the metal, lettering, and the silver beading.  Please review my forgery medal guide http://reviews.ebay.com/Worldwide-Military-Medals-Forgery-Medals_W0QQugidZ10000000001875079 for a more detailed explanation.  As mentioned earlier, jeweler's copies are known and are sometimes regarded as suitable collector examples if they are verified contemporary - but many sellers do not make the distinction clear.   Again, the best advice is:  Buy only from a reputable dealer who specializes in Prussian medals.  Please visit my blog (http://blogs.ebay.com/tsa-li) and/or guides for further information.  Thank you for your visit!