Germany Awards - Reussisches Ehrenkreuz Officers' Cross

The officer cross of the Prince Reis Honorary Cross was established in 1909 with the expansion of the order by Prince Henry XIV. The younger Reuss line was introduced. The officer's cross occupies a place between 1st and 2nd grade. The honorary cross now had 6 classes. All classes except the officer's cross could now be awarded a crown. The Medal of Merit was divided into gold 1st degree and silver 2nd degree. On May 15, 1915, ranks were established for individual classes. After that, lieutenant colonels, medical instructors and military officials of the same rank were awarded the officer cross. For military merit, the cross was also awarded with swords through the center. The princely Reusian honorary cross was established on May 24, 1869 by Prince Henry XIV. The younger line of Reuss first donated the younger line for the principality. The order consisted of 3 classes and could be awarded to domestic and foreign citizens for special faithful merits and excellent achievements. In 1885, the charter was amended. Now the order consisted of 4 classes and an attached silver medal for merit. In addition, 1st grade received the crown. Grades 1 and 2 had white enameled cruciform arms and were made of gold or gilded. 3rd class was without enameled silver crosses. In 1897, the gold medal "For Merit" was established and annexed to the order. Since 1902, with the assumption of government affairs by Henry XXIV. The senior line through Henry XIV. On the junior line, the order extended to the senior line of the principality. Officer crosses with swords and without swords of the princely Reusian honorary cross are very rare. There are hollow made crosses made of gold and gilded silver. Source: J. Nimmergut, Deutsche Orden und Ehrenzeichen bis 1945, vol. II, 1997.

Eight-pointed cross made of gilded silver. The cruciform arms are maroon golden and enameled white. On the obverse is a relief, partially enameled gold medallion. The back is smooth and golden. Vertically - a pin with a reciprocal hook. (In the shown part, it was replaced by the old one)

Front side:

• Gold medallion with a wide gold ring. Outside - pearl edge.
• The inner side of the ring is smooth and beveled inwards and outwards.
• Included midfield red translucent enameled with rays in the background.
• On top with the crown is a golden, curved coat of arms of the principality.

Downside:

• The back is smooth and golden. The middle plate is slightly curved.
• Perpendicular - a pin with a blunt end and a locknut.

.

Obverse: Princely Reusian Cross of Honor Officer's Cross

Reverse: Princely Reusian Cross of Honour Officer's Cross

Established:

May 24, 1869 by Prince Henry XIV. (younger line)
1909 Officer's Cross Foundation

Awarded:

1909 – 1918

Data:

• Material: silver, gold, enamel
• Size: 60mm
• Weight: about 23g

estimated collector price:

Unspecified

OEK Number:

1994