The general badge of honor was established by King Albert in 1876 to reward and recognize commendable acts and merits. This order replaced the silver medals of the Order of Merit and the Order of Albrecht, awarded until then. Holders of these awards could exchange them for a new cross. In addition to the constituent act of January 18, 1901, it was established that swords were awarded for differences during the war. The porters, who previously had the reward of peace, had swords located under the ring. On October 18, 1907, a decree was issued stating that the Universal Badge of Honor would be called the Cross of Honor.
An open crown could be added to boost the award. The Cross of Honor, as well as the Cross of Honor with a crown, could be awarded swords for merits in the war, respectively. They intersect through the center. Swords under the ring were no longer awarded. With additional awarding with swords or a crown, it was necessary to return the old honorary cross and receive a new decoration with swords and, or a crown. It follows that each time there was only one cross with all the merits or promotions. The honorary cross with a crown depicted here is, therefore, the highest degree of the honorary cross or common insignia (since 1876) without military merit.
Gilded bronze cross. The crosses at the ends are bent and centrally pointed. Outer edges of crosses with smooth border. The insides are finely indented. Front and back panels with round center screen (15 mm). An open royal crown is movably located on the upper cruciform shoulder. A ribbon ring passes through the imperial crown apple.
Front side:
Downside:
Tape:
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Obverse: Cross of Honor with Crown since 1907
Reverse: Cross of Honor with Crown since 1907
Awards of World War II