The Iron Cross was a military decoration in the Kingdom of Prussia, the German Empire, and Nazi Germany. The design, a black cross pattée with a white or silver outline, was derived from the insignia
Black Cross of the Teutonic Order (Leechkirche [de], Graz)
Collection of Iron Cross decorations throughout German military history
Various versions from 1813 to 1870
King Frederick William III of Prussia, creator of the award
The Teutonic Order is a Catholic religious institution founded as a military society c. 1190 in Acre, Kingdom of Jerusalem. The Order of Brothers of the German House of Saint Mary in Jerusalem was for
Iron Cross
…1871–1918), and Nazi Germany (1933–1945). The design, a black cross pattée with a white or silver outline, was derived from the insignia of the medieval Teutonic Order and borne by its knights from the 13th century. As well as being a military medal, it has also been used as an emblem by the Prussian Army, the Imperial…
The Order's Marienburg Castle, Monastic state of the Teutonic Knights, now Malbork, Poland
Hermann von Salza, the fourth Grand Master of the Teutonic Knights (1209–1239)
Tannhäuser in the habit of the Teutonic Knights, from the Codex Manesse
Frederick II allows the order to invade Prussia, by P. Janssen