Named Iron Cross 1st class

[robinb]

I'm far from being an expert in Iron Crosses. Is it common to find them engraved like this one? And what does it say?

[Marshallj]

First examine the cross  - multi piece? Magnetic core? Then look at the inscription. Is it period? Is it grammatically correct? I know it is a congratulatory message but that is the extent of my knowledge. 

[robinb]

It is magnetic.

[Proud Kraut]

I don´t know if this Iron Cross is authentic or not but maybe I can help a bit with the engraving. 

 

First line: Two names and between them what looks like a part of a unit designation 5./ ? (5. Kompanie)

Second line:"mit herzlichem Glückwunsch" (with congratulations)

Third line: zur Frdl.Erg. an abbrevation most likely of "zur freundlichen Erinnerung" (as a kind recollection). Note the  difference "F" and "f".

Fourth line: Location

Fifth line: Date

[Marshallj]

7 hours ago, Proud Kraut said:

I don´t know if this Iron Cross is authentic or not but maybe I can help a bit with the engraving. 

 

First line: Two names and between them what looks like a part of a unit designation 5./ ? (5. Kompanie)

Second line:"mit herzlichem Glückwunsch" (with congratulations)

Third line: zur Frdl.Erg. an abbrevation most likely of "zur freundlichen Erinnerung" (as a kind recollection). Note the  difference "F" and "f".

Fourth line: Location

Fifth line: Date

In your opinion is it proper German for the time period?

[Proud Kraut]

Yes it is.

[Marshallj]

I think it has a good chance of being original. Is it slightly vaulted?

[SARGE]

I think the "s./l." seen on the top line might be a contraction for seine lieben (as in a gift or congratulation) rather than a unit marking.  

 

 

[Proud Kraut]

On 4/11/2026 at 7:47 PM, SARGE said:

I think the "s./l." seen on the top line might be a contraction for seine lieben (as in a gift or congratulation) rather than a unit marking.  

 

 

 

Sarge, I think you´re 100% correct. It´s a "s", not a "5",  and s./l. (seinem lieben) makes absolute sense.

[robinb]

Thank you for your responses. An elderly woman brought this to me at our local flea market. She didn't want very much money for it. 

[Preppy Picker]

I love it.