Description:

KULM IRON CROSS OF 1813
This excessively rare version of the Iron Cross was produced three years after the initial institution of the Iron Cross in 1813, a Russian-made award known as the Kulm Cross. This example, 40 mm x 40 mm, is made of a thin tin plate fashioned in the shape and size of a typical Iron Cross with a painted black center and a gray painted border, all paint shows an age old grazing to the painted surface. All eight corners of the cross fashioned with two small holes for sewing to a uniform, or in this case, to a circular black ribbed-ribbon backing that is approximately 60mm. in diameter. This cross was construed and issued with the purpose of honoring the bravery of Russian Guards units consisting of 14,000 men. Commanded by Count Ostermann-Tolstoy, they fought against the French under against the French under General Vandamme, at the Battle of Kulm, August 29-30, 1813. The allied armies had been in retreat after a disastrous defeat at Dresden in mid August, and the gallantry of the Russian troops under Ostermann-Tolstoy was instrumental in the defeat of the pursuing French at Kulm. Holding General Vandamme's larger French corps at bay with great cost to his Russian guards in casualties, until the reinforcements arrived in the form of Russian and Austrian troops, as well as the Prussian corps under General Kleist. This led to Vandamme's capture and defeat. The King decided to reward the bravery of the Russians by awarding them this special version of the Iron Cross, although, for some unknown reason, three years was to elapse before the official awards were made. It is unknown how many of these were issued. Available here is an almost impossible to obtain example.

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November 14, 2025 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $999,999 $10,000
$1,000,000 $1,999,999 $50,000
$2,000,000 + $100,000