Awards of Germany - Order of Frederick Knight's Cross 1st class with swords

The Knight's Cross 1st Class with swords has been awarded for military merit since 1870. Swords were attached to the upper cruciform arm. Fastening was either by means of movable fasteners, such as round and angled lugs with rings, or also by means of small hinges, or, as here, tightly soldered and rigid. The cross with swords was awarded 2969 times. During the war of 1870/71, only 159 crosses were granted. The decorations were also made of silver and few were made of bronze at the end of World War I.
The order was established on 1 January 1830 by King William I for civil and military merit in memory of his father Frederick the first King of Württemberg, and originally consisted of only one class. Starting in 1856, the statutes were changed and the order consisted of 4 classes. Grand Cross, 1st and 2nd Class Komturs, and Knights. Since 1870, the knights were divided into 1st and 2nd classes. In 1870, swords were added for military merit. The last class, the Gold Medal of Merit was established in 1892. 1899 The Grand Cross was augmented by the Crown and the Crown by the Grand Cross. Large crosses depict in the middle medallion a gilded portrait of Frederick 1., And the gold inscription on the blue ring - Frederick King of Württemberg - the reverse side - merit - in the center of the field and - God and my right - on the blue ring. The cruciform arms are enameled in white and sheathed in gold. Between the cross sleeves are golden rays. To the Great Cross and the Komtursky Cross there were chest stars with golden rays and a silver cross on them. From the komtura in the central shield there is one - F - and knights of the 2nd class without gold rays of silver.

Hollow made cross of gold with slightly curved ends. This golden side with white enameled cruciform arms. Front and back sides with superimposed round gold medallion. There are 5 gold rays between the cross sleeves. On the upper cruciform hand are soldered 2 crossed, gold, antique swords. In the center of which there is a small ring through which a double ribbon passes.

Front side:

• Round medallion with gold edging.
• On a white enameled background, a golden rough letter - F -
• A golden crown sits on it.

Downside:

• Like the front.

Tape:

blue 33 mm wide.