Awards of Germany - Insignia of the 2nd degree for 21 years 1874

This award for non-commissioned officers was established on March 16, 1874 by King Charles, along with an award for officers after 25 years of service. Non-commissioned officers and soldiers were eligible after 21 years of service. The reason for the new service badge of honor was a military convention with Prussia, concluded on November 25, 1870. Years of service were adjusted according to the Prussian model. The 1850 seniority marks were for. They were buckle shaped and had previously been awarded for 6 years, 12 years, 18 years, 24 years and 30 years. The first service badges of honor in the Kingdom of Württemberg were established on September 9, 1833 by King William I. These officers received after 25 years and non-commissioned officers after 20 years of service. The war years were doubly numbered, this continued in later funds. One could think about members of the military administration and the Ministry of War. Crosses were allowed to be worn after active service. Specimens made of silver-plated white metal do not belong to the rental period. Source: J. Nimmergut, Deutsche Orden und Ehrenzeichen before 1945, vol. IV, 2001.

Silver cross with slightly figured cruciform sleeves. Cruciform shoulders with raised smooth edges, granular inner sides. Front and rear with 17 mm middle shields. On the upper cruciform shoulder is a soldered ear with a ribbon ring.

Front side:

• On a silver central shield with a raised border, the letter - K - is in fractional font.
• Surrounded by a green enameled laurel wreath.
• The wreath consists of 10 groups of leaves.

Downside:

• On a silver central shield with a border in the center of 2 crossed swords.
• The inscription turns around the edge: - FOR - LOYALTY - SERVICES -.

Tape:

• red 37 mm wide, edges 2 mm, side stripes blue 3 mm.

Photographs from the Aragorn collection.

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