The Iron Cross (Eiserme Kreuz) Steyr

Additional Issues:
The Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross - “One of 100”
The Star to the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross — Gold Edition — “One of 50”

It’s one of the rarest of all sidearms ever associated with the German war machine—the Steyr Modell 1912. It’s the embodiment of the word rare. For it was made only from 1912 to 1918, one-sixth as long as the C-96 Mauser (1896-1938) and one-fifth as long as the Pistole 08 Luger (1908-1945). Only the most advanced collectors have ever even heard of it. Few Americans have ever actually seen one, as most of these pistols are still in Germany, Austria and Central Europe, where they saw action, both in World War I and World War II. Before long, we can expect the Steyr Modell 1912 to fade away altogether into the mists and myths of history. Perhaps people soon will never be able to see one of these, outside of a few firearms books. So, if you own one, it will have educational value for your family, friends, and fellow collectors. The Foundation is able to bring you, in a limited edition masterpiece, the Steyr Modell 1912. Due to its rarity, we challenged our unique, experienced team of gunsmiths, designers, polishers, hand engravers, jewelers and goldsmiths to create the most elaborate Steyr in world history — one that if Kaiser Wilhelm II or his cousin, Czar Nicholas II, saw it, he would want it for his collection.

The Iron Time

And when you think about the German military machine, you think of the Iron Cross medal, awarded for extraordinary courage. As our good friend, Stephen Previtera, says in his book, The Iron Time, “The Iron Cross consecrated those who followed with fervor the Teutonic Knights of the Third Crusade.” The Iron Cross has a long and glorious history. To wit, it was:

Commissioned in 1813 by Friedrich Wilhelm III, King of Prussia, (thus the initials FW and the date 1813 on the reverse of the medal).
And instituted on March 10 of 1813 (the birthday, in an earlier year, of Friedrich’s beloved Queen Luise.)

The earliest Iron Cross medal featured an iron center with a silver frame, a metaphor—when Iron had a spiritual meaning for warriors (and later, as in Bismarck's “by iron and blood”). For the first time in history, the best known of military decorations of Germany is, briefly, paired with one of the rarest of military weapons. The result is the Iron Cross (Eiserne Kreuz) Steyr Modell 1912. The Steyr is a mission-oriented example of applied military science. Before our custom gunsmithing turns it into an art treasure, it is very Teutonic—stern and serious-looking. For according to the German school of design, form follows function. Each pistol is engraved using time-honored hand engraving with hammer and chisel. And each is engraved with its own Limited Edition Registry Number. Three different models are available. Collectors who reserve all three will receive matching Registry Numbers and, at no extra charge, a complimentary Master Display Case which spectacularly exhibits all three pieces.

The Star to the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross — Gold Edition — “One of 50”

In German military history since 1813, the highest award for courage, glory, honor and sacrifice was the Star to the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross. The device of the Iron Cross, surmounted on a “star,” is hand-engraved on a solid 24-Karat Gold grip inlay which, in turn, is inlaid with four Diamonds and four Rubies. All the precious stones are Gem Quality. This, in turn, is inlaid into the left-side custom, genuine Mother-of-Pearl grip. Because this firearm is so rare, we decided to go to extraordinary lengths to embellish it—this is the most hand engraving we have ever executed on a sidearm, some of the best work in firearms history. The result: full coverage of detailed hand engraving of German oak leaves and acorns on all surfaces, featuring the German words for Iron Cross, Eiserne Kreuz, and, as a central device, the Imperial German Eagle. To highlight its extensive hand engraving, the pistol itself is completely plated in genuine 24-Karat Gold, to Jewelers Grade—Heavy thickness, for lasting beauty and value, and complementing the solid 24-Karat Gold grip inlay. The hand-engraved inlay, in turn is set with four Diamonds and four Rubies (all Gem Quality), symbolic of the four earlier German Kingdoms. This edition is limited to only 50, numbered, Exhibition-Grade examples, worldwide.

The Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross—“One of 100”

Beautiful hand-finished-and-polished genuine Ebony grips accentuate the grip inlay of solid Sterling Silver, which is hand engraved with this high order of the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords. The full coverage of plating is the finest Sterling Silver, to Jewelers Grade-Heavy thickness. Hand engraving swirls in full coverage across the top and both sides of the pistol frame, slide, trigger and triggerguard, as with the Star to the Grand Cross Edition, but with half coverage across the underside and back straps. This Edition is limited to only 100 numbered, Museum-Quality pieces, worldwide.

The Iron Cross Edition — “One of 300”

Hard Nickel plating—known to collectors for its long-lasting, hard-wearing beauty—completely covers each pistol in this edition. The solid Sterling Silver grip inlay is hand engraved with the Iron Cross. Grips are custom made of the finest Rosewood, hand finished and polished. Deluxe hand engraving honors the Iron Cross, across the top and both sides of the slide, triggerguard and trigger, as on the Star to the Grand Cross edition, with the frame and underside a smooth, polished finish. This Edition is limited to only 300 numbered, Museum-Quality pieces, worldwide.

Display Case

Also available is a custom made, luxuriously lined Display Case with locking glass lid and engraved identification plaque to display and protect your Tribute from dust and unauthorized handling.

Shipping Procedure

Since the Tribute is a working firearm, we will arrange delivery through a licensed firearms dealer of your choice.

The Iron Cross (Eiserme Kreuz) Steyr - “One of 300”