This guide will cover only the Prussian 1870 Iron Cross 2nd Class ribbon.  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. 

The 1870 Eiserne Kreuz II. Klasse or Iron Cross 2nd Class is suspended from a UV-negative black silk ribbon (about 32mm wide - 31.75 to 32.05 mm) with 2 white stripes near each edge.   The precise width of the white stripes are noted as varying slightly with each maker.  A version of the ribbon with the colors reversed is often called the non-combatant or civilian ribbon. 

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.

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!