WW2 German Clasp to the Iron Cross

The Clasp to the Iron Cross (Spange zum Eisernen Kreuz) was a metal medal clasp displayed on the uniforms of German Wehrmacht personnel who had been awarded the Iron Cross in World War I. It was displayed on the uniforms of many high-ranking officers during World War II as most had also served in World War I.

Description.

As it was possible for a holder of the 1914 Iron Cross to be awarded a second or higher grade of the 1939 Iron Cross. A "1939 Clasp" (Spange) would be worn on the original 1914 Iron Cross. It depicted an eagle clutching an oak leaf wreath surrounding a swastika above a trapezoid including the year 1939. It was attached to the 1914 Iron Cross medal ribbon beneath a tunic button. (A similar award was made in 1914 but was quite rare, since there were few in service who held the 1870 Iron Cross.)

For the First Class award the clasp was pinned directly above the Iron Cross on the breast of the wearer. Although two separate awards, in some cases the holders soldered them together.

                                              Iron Cross

Iron Cross 2nd Class
Iron Cross 2nd Class 1813–1913	Iron Cross 2nd Class for Non-combatants 1813–1918	EK II 1914, with 1939 clasp	EK II 1914–39	EK II 1939–45

Iron Cross 1st Class
Iron Cross 1st Class 1813–1913	EK I 1914, with repetition 1939	EK I 1914–39	EK I 1939–45

Grand Cross of the Iron Cross
Grand Cross to the Iron Cross	Star of the Grand Cross (Iron Cross)