German Awards - Princely Black Cross - 2nd Class Cross with Swords

The Cross of Honor of the Schwarzburg principalities was originally established by Prince Friedrich Gunther von Schwarzburg Rudolstadt on May 20, 1853 as a reward for services to his principality. Only on June 9, 1857, this order was transferred by the two princes of Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt and Schwarzburg-Sondershausen with the corresponding statutes to the general order or house order. The order initially consisted of 3 classes, and in 1873 was expanded to the 4th class. This order is also accompanied by gold and silver medals for merit. The 1st and 2nd classes of the order are made of gold or gilded silver and have white enameled cross arms. 3rd and 4th grades are made of silver, and 3rd grade has gilded and enameled middle marks.
Crosses for Rudolstadt depicted double, mirror letters - FG - for Friedrich Gunther, and for Sondershausen - GFC - for Gunther Friedrich Karl on the back. War-induced 1870/71 swords were donated to the first 3 classes. Servicemen from the sergeant major below received the Silver Medal. When awarded military decoration, previously awarded peaceful decorations of the same class were to be removed. Later, a higher class of peace decoration was assigned, both classes continued to be worn. Other expansions included anniversary numbers 50 and 60, and oak leaves with appropriately printed war years.

An eight-pointed cross made of gold or gilded silver with polished edges. Enameled crosses are white. Front and back sides with false oval medallion. Through the middle are crossed 2 golden swords. On the upper cruciform shoulder between the tips there is an ornamented segment with a round ear, through which an elongated ribbon ring passes.

Front side:

In the
• center is a high oval gold medallion, the edging is richly decorated with ornaments.
In
• a closed dark blue enameled field, a Schwarzburg lion walking to the left.
with
• princely crown on the head.

Downside:

In the
• center is a high oval gold medallion, the edging is richly decorated with ornaments.
In
• the enclosed dark blue enameled field, the laced initials are G - F - C -
• (Prince Gunther Friedrich Karl) above him the princely crown.

Tape:

.

Obverse: Princely Black Cross - 2nd Class Cross with Swords

Reverse: Princely Black Cross - 2nd class cross with swords

Established:

May 28, 1857 (Sondershausen) together with the princes Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt and Sondershausen
1870 - Sword Foundation

Awarded:

1870 – 1918

Data:

• Material: gold or silver gold-plated/enameled
• Size: 39.7mm x 43mm
• Weight: 21.5g

estimated collector price:

2400 - 2500 € in gold
1200 - 1300 € silver gilded

OEK Number:

2782