A German 1870 Star of the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross, also known as the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross, a prestigious military decoration in the Kingdom of Prussia and later the German Empire. It was introduced during the Franco Prussian War of 1870 to 1871 to honor high ranking military officers and commanders who had displayed exceptional leadership and valor on the battlefield. Features a Maltese cross made of iron, with a silver central medallion. The medallion displays the crowned initials W for Kaiser Wilhelm I. This decoration was rarely awarded and was typically reserved for senior military commanders who had achieved remarkable success and displayed outstanding leadership. With a screw back. German Military Decorations For Collectors.