The only other items available in the marketplace are poorly designed, comical facsimiles of the real thing. This item was carefully produced using a fine original as master. Hence, the authentic look and feel of the finished product.
* * *IMPORTANT / BEWARE * * *
Please do NOT Compare to inferior, cheap knock-offs. This is a finely minted copper & nickel piece, combined with a costly GENUINE silver chain, not a cheap shoddy copy of our work attached to a glorified worthless hardware store chain!
Superb Finish & Detail Through Highest Quality Minting
Reverse Side Is Hand Polished To Absolute Perfection
Beautiful Leatherette Keepsake Box is 7" x 4.25" x 1.5" & Weighs 11 oz.
Substantial 22.25 Inch Long And OVER 1/4 Inch Wide Genuine Sterling Silver Chain with Quality Lobster Claw Clasp.
Normally retails for $219.95
* * * The Maltese Cross / Iron Cross * * *
A Brief History
The Maltese, or Iron Cross, is widely popular among bikers and has been so going back a number of decades. The original idea behind the use of it in those circles was to symbolize truth and brotherhood. Something found less and less in society as a whole by these often disillusioned fringe elements and drifters of that bygone era; not to mention the state of affairs in this regard in today's “biker” environment. However, in time, the cross unfortunately degenerated into just another “bad” or misunderstood symbol to many, and it sadly lost its original meaning except to those few who knew better...
The Iron Cross
The Iron Cross was established in various classes of issue in 1813 during the Napoleonic Wars by German emperor Friedrich Wilhelm III as a reward for heroism, bravery or extraordinary leadership. The emperor handed out well over five million of these medals to his soldiers. It became one of the world’s most recognized military decorations of recent history. Germany revived it in 1870 during the Franco-Prussian War and again in 1914 for World War I. Hitler employed the medal in 1939, at which time the swastika was added at the center of the cross (also known as the Knights Cross) and it sadly became one of the main visual items of the Third Reich and Nazism - thus de facto corrupting it into a hate symbol. A final version was minted in 1957 for issue to veterans of WWII. Since the swastika was banned in Germany after WWII, this version was de-Natzified (sans swastika) allowing veterans to wear their earned commendation in public.
The Maltese Cross
Coming full circle in our brief history: the eight-pointed cross first became the badge of the Order of the Knights of St. John in the year 1023 when they rebuilt their hospital in Jerusalem with funds donated by the merchants of the Republic of Amalfi. When the Order of the Monks of St. John was formed during the Crusades (again with the support of the Republic of Amalfi) they also adopted the cross as their badge, and ever since the Order's occupation of Malta, it has been known as the Maltese Cross. The eight points of the cross symbolized the eight Obligations and Aspirations of the Knights. They were: Live in Truth; Have Faith; Repent of Sins; Give Proof of Humility; Love Justice; Be Merciful; Be Sincere and Wholehearted; Endure Persecution. Next time you see an American fire truck, just look at the door and you will see the Maltese Cross incorporated into the local fire department seal. Also, from a modern perspective, one cannot help but wonder how many bikers - authentic or otherwise - reflect on the eight Obligations and Aspirations as they ride around in their West Coast Chopper’s T-shirts.
Hopefully, this brief summary helps shed some light upon the origin of the Iron Cross. And although no one has a specific explanation for its popularity among bikers, surfers, punk rockers, goth fans and beatniks etc., our own un-scientific guess is that it signifies a brotherhood, and maybe more importantly, just looks plain "bad". So, even if you can't afford a custom Harley or a Jesse James West Coast Chopper, this awesome piece will still keep you on the cool side.
Copyright 2005
Midnight Express Motorcycle Co.
All Rights Reserved
Please note that we offer no fewer than five different Midnight Express Iron Cross Necklaces on eBay as well as on our own website. The only difference between them is in the length and thickness of the sterling silver chains, as the Iron Cross Pendant's (which we manufacture) are all the same regardless of which chain they are attached to. The below chart will hopefully give you a clear and concise break-down of what is available:
Our 18 inch Necklace features a chain width of a 1/4 inch and a chain thickness of 5/64's of an inch and is priced at $123.00
Our 20 inch Necklace features a chain width of a 1/4 inch and a chain thickness of 5/64's of an inch and is priced at $135.00
Our 22 inch Necklace features a chain width of a 1/4 inch and a chain thickness of 5/64's of an inch and is priced at $148.00
Our 24 inch Necklace features a chain width of a 1/4 inch and a chain thickness of 5/64's of an inch and is priced at $164.00
Please take all of the above into consideration when deciding which one will best adorn you or your gift recipient. Ultimately, it is the added silver value of the longer and/or thicker chains that dictates the pricing structure. If you do not currently see one of the Necklaces above listed on eBay, but wish to purchase it, the listing may have expired, or, we may have elected not to run it at a particular time due to multiple listing costs incurred when listing similar Necklaces for sale. However, please do not hesitate to contact us so that we may be of assistance to you, as all of the Necklaces in the above line-up are indeed in stock and ready to ship.
Thank you,
Customer Service
Midnight Express Motorcycle Co
San Clemente, California - USA
(949) 322-2549
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A Word About Shipping & Handling
We ship all orders within 48 hours of receipt of payment, via Air Mail, First Class or UPS Ground, whichever applies at our discretion. All items, regardless of shipping method, are FULLY INSURED and trackable and you will receive a shipping confirmation via email from us including tracking number.
For all shipments, please allow ample time for transit before contacting us. This applies especially to foreign orders. We cannot be held responsible for delays in your country’s customs processing.
We package all orders, large or small, with the utmost of care and professionalism. Your product is protected by several layers of plastic, bubble wrap and other cushioning materials, and is only then sealed in a brand new box. Please do not compare our packaging to other vendors who simply throw your unprotected item in an envelope. Our S&H charges reflect the level of service rendered. Apples are not oranges and you will be happy in the end.
Thank you.
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Escape the ordinary...Escape on the Midnight Express!
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