GERMAN IRON CROSS 2ND CLASS The core does not seem to be magnetic. "There were examples of original Iron Crosses with non-magnetic centers, so just because it is non-magnetic does not necessarily disqualify it. One must look at other details. As an example, some Iron Crosses were made with brass centers and were supposed to have been popular with Kriegsmarine personnel since the centres would not rust in salt air enviorments. These tended to be privately purchased by those qualified to wear the medal, as I believe all official issue ones had the iron centre. Some originals are known with zinc cores as well, I believe."