WWI Iron Cross Casting Molds

[bangschr]

I recently found a set of solid bronze molds that appear to be for casting the 1914 German Iron Cross. They are extremely heavy (probably 10lbs each). I believe they were for casting the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross.

The 2 halves would have been mated together and molten metal poured inside. When cooled the medals could be removed and finished. I believe the small holes on the backsides would aid in the cooling process.
There are also some serial numbers on the edge of both molds. Serial # 10503.

 

Measurements:
Dimensions for mold: Length 6 1/4 in. Height 4 7/8 in.
Actual cross: Length 1 1/2 in. Height 1 1/2.

 

The sizes of the 1st and 2nd class Iron Crosses ranged from 28-42mm. The Grand Cross was about 62mm. The crosses in the molds are about 38mm (1.5in).

Due to the size, it may not have been a Grand Cross. However, many photos of the Grand Cross show the small ring on top facing forward (the same as in the molds pictured) and the ring turned sideways on the 1st and 2nd class medals. This is because the Grand Cross was worn from the neck instead of pinned to the uniform. I wonder if the silver trim was added to the arms after their main form was cast. This would possibly bring the cross from these molds into the correct dimensions. I also wonder if I could track down an authentic 1914 Grand Cross and get actual measurements.

 

Does anyone have any information that could help in collecting more details on these? Possibly where they came from, how they were used, which Iron Cross, etc...

Also, if you have an authentic 1914 medal (Grand Cross or "basic" cross) could you provide dimensions and photos?

 

1813 on left - 1914 on right

 

1813 side

 

1914 side

 

Serial number

 

 

Backside

 

 

Pouring hole

 

 

[Mr.Jerry]

Could we see close up of just one of the crosses?  what is really odd, is the rings, as those were separate pieces, as were the iron crosses themselves- the center piece was the "Iron" part, and then there was a silver two piece "frame" that encased it.  This is true for all of the classes and or neck orders.

[Preppy Picker]

They might be early surfers or collectors cross with the ring being on the wrong part in the wrong place and facing in the wrong direction.

 

[trixie123]

1 hour ago, Preppy Picker said:

They might be early surfers or collectors cross with the ring being on the wrong part in the wrong place and facing in the wrong direction.

 

I agree lacks detail also in the crown . 

[qed4]

If this mold is actually made of bronze it could not be used to cast iron as it has lower melting point. As metals go bronze has a low melting point which is why it is a popular casting medium. You could not cast much other than pot metal in bronze molds. Plus petty much every medal I know of is die stamped not cast.

 

[jayhawkhenry]

I think these look like some kind of commercial decorative product. Surfer’s cross, souvenir shop type of items.