Awards of Germany - Award to Officers 1825 (1st uniform 1826)

King Frederick William III. Established on June 18, 1825 service awards for officers, non-commissioned officers and soldiers. The officers received the cross during their 25 years of loyal service in the standing army. Initially, only combatants were awarded. Rear services, officials, etc. are not yet provided for awarding. This award has been presented for almost 100 years, and the circle of recipients has been repeatedly adjusted and expanded. Lothar Tewes in the 2000 OMM Annual identifies 6 forms of service awards depending on the period of production. Shown here is 1. The uniform was only given in 1826 to old officers who already boasted the required length of service. The sole manufacturer was J.G. Hossauer in Berlin. The mace has no manufacturer. Payment was made by the king himself. Characteristic is a parallel ear, smooth cruciform shoulders and a triple line at the edges. Thus, smooth cruciform arms and triple lines occur only in the second form. The royal crown is still in small form, and the font is still Gothic. The war years were doubly numbered. Years in captivity were not counted. Crosses were subject to return. Crosses of the 1st form are extremely rare. Source: Lothar Tevez's yearbook "2000 Orden und Militaria Magazin" Die preussische Dienstellungen für den ständigen Heer 1826-1920. "

The cross is gilt bronze with sleek cross sleeves. The edges are bordered by 3 thin lines. Front and back round central shield with raised double edge. A parallel eye with a double ribbon ring is knocked out from above. There is no manufacturer designation.

Front side:

In
• central shield letters - F. - W. - in fractional font, including Roman 3 - III -
3
• less than in later parts. Above the letter is the Prussian royal crown.

Downside:

In
• central shield central Roman numeral 25 - XXV. –

Tape:

• 36 mm wide in blue.

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