The Iron Cross is among the best-known Prussian and later German wartime decorations. The 1914 issue refers back to the earlier foundation years 1813 and 1870, symbolizing the continuation of a long award tradition.

Miniatures of such awards were often worn on civilian clothing, on small ribbon bars or on formal occasions. They served as a reduced-size version of the full decoration and still offer an especially decorative and space-saving form of display today.

Well-preserved miniature versions are appreciated by collectors because they reproduce the design of the original award in compact form and fit well into collections focusing on the First World War or on Prussian decorations.