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This decoration is a contemporary manufacture produced as a display piece, likely made for the 25th anniversary celebration in 1896. 
Multi-part construction. The blackened iron core embossed on both sides. The silver frame with polished edges, unmarked. Dimensions 63 x 58.7 mm, weight 27.2 g. Complete with neck ribbon. Only slight signs of age, condition 2. 
We believe this to be a product of the firm AWS Albert Werner und Söhne. A sales board of the company shows the Grand Cross 1914 with the same characteristics as our piece.
Extremely rare, an excellent reference piece for any Iron Cross collection, awarded originals are unobtainable.

The Grand Cross of the Iron Cross was the highest Prussian military decoration from 1813 to 1918 and the highest of the German Reich from 1939 to 1945. The Grand Cross was instituted as the supreme class of the Iron Cross on March 10, 1813, by Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm III in Breslau. It was awarded a total of 20 times in four wars. 
In the Franco-Prussian War, nine Grand Crosses were awarded:
Helmuth Graf von Moltke (March 22, 1871)
August Karl von Goeben (March 22, 1871)
Prinz Friedrich Karl von Preußen (March 22, 1871)
Kronprinz Albert von Sachsen (March 22, 1871)
August Karl von Werder (March 22, 1871)
Edwin von Manteuffel (March 22, 1871)
Kronprinz Friedrich Wilhelm von Preußen (March 22, 1871)
König Wilhelm I. von Preußen (June 16, 1871)
Großherzog Friedrich Franz II. von Mecklenburg-Schwerin (December 4, 1871)

Double flag ribbon in the colors of the Iron Cross in black/white. On both flag ribbons, applied on both sides, the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross 1813 and 1870 respectively. At the top, the ribbon is sewn into a bow with an applied silver flag nail bearing the crowned Prussian coat of arms, on the reverse a long mounting screw for attachment to the flagstaff. The flag ribbons terminate at the bottom with silver tassels. Total length approximately 82 cm. Only slight signs of use and age, in beautiful untouched original condition.

After the campaign of 1870/71, the Kaiser awarded all Prussian battalion colors that had been “under enemy fire” the new flag finials with the Iron Cross of 1870 as a distinction. The battalions that had already earned the Iron Cross during 1813-1815 “under enemy fire” had the Iron Cross of 1813 on the flag finial and received after 1870, as a second-time distinction, this special flag ribbon.

Extremely rare, in over 35 years of business this is only the second flag ribbon we have been able to offer. Most Prussian battalion colors were destroyed in 1945 by the Red

The finial made of fire-gilt brass bronze, at the center a laurel wreath with riveted Grand Cross in silver frame, the blackened iron core still perfectly preserved. Piece showing typical signs of age, in beautiful untouched original condition. 
After the campaign of 1870/71, the Kaiser awarded all Prussian battalion colors that had been “under enemy fire” with the new finials bearing the Iron Cross as a distinction. The cross set into the finial is identical to the Grand Crosses of the Iron Cross 1870 awarded during the campaign. Very rare and a highly desirable piece for any Iron Cross collector.
Compare Dr. F. Wernitz/V. Simons “Das Eiserne Kreuz 1813 1870 1914 Geschichte und Bedeutung einer Auszeichnung” page 156 ff.

This decoration is a contemporary manufacture as a display piece, produced circa 1940.
Multi-piece construction. Blackened iron core. The silver frame with polished edges. Stamped “800” silver on the obverse below the suspension loop. Dimensions 71.5 x 63.1 mm, weight 57 g. Complete with neck ribbon.
Only minor age traces, condition 2.
Extremely rare, an excellent reference piece for any Iron Cross collection, as awarded originals are unobtainable.

The Grand Cross of the Iron Cross was the highest Prussian war decoration from 1813 to 1918 and the highest decoration of the German Reich from 1939 to 1945. The Grand Cross was instituted as the supreme grade of the Iron Cross on March 10, 1813 by Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm III in Breslau. It was awarded a total of 20 times in four wars. During World War I, the Grand Cross was awarded five times to the following recipients:
Generalfeldmarschall Paul von Hindenburg (December 9, 1916)
Kaiser Wilhelm II (December 11, 1916)
Generalfeldmarschall August von Mackensen (January 9, 1917)
Prinz Leopold von Bayern (March 4, 1918)
Generalfeldmarschall Erich Ludendorff (March 24, 1918).