The order was established on 1 January 1830 by King William I for civil and military merit. The order was dedicated to the memory of his father Frederick I and his merits to the kingdom. The foundation date is the anniversary of the adoption of royal dignity. The motto of the order is "God and my right."
On January 3, 1856, the statutes were changed and the order consisted of 4 classes. Grand Cross, Komtur 1st and 2nd. Class as well as Knights. Since 1870, the knights were divided into 1st and 2nd classes. The Knight's Cross 2nd Class shown here is the only cross with no enameled cruciform arms and no rays between the cruciform arms. Silver crosses have finely divided sides of the cross arm. Early crosses around 1870 may also have smooth insides. The medallions are gilded in gold or silver. At the end of World War I, the crosses were also made of war metal. In 1870, swords were added for military merit. The last class, the Gold Medal of Merit was established in 1892. In 1899, the Grand Cross was supplemented with a crown and the crown became the Grand Cross.
The cross is silver with slightly curved ends of the cross. Cross arms with raised polished edges. The inner sides followed by the pearl margin are finely granular. Front and back sides with superimposed round medallion. On the upper cruciform shoulder, a parallel eye with a bandage ring is soldered.
Front side:
Downside:
Tape:
Obverse: Order of Frederick Knight's Cross 2nd Class
Reverse: Order of Frederick Knight's Cross 2nd Class
Awards of World War II