German Awards - Gold Medal of Merit 2. Model with crown and swords

The gold medal "For Merit to the Principality" was awarded in 1897 by Prince Henry XIV. Established as the highest level of the Silver Medal for Merit, introduced already in 1885. The princely Reusian honorary cross was established on May 24, 1869 in 3 classes. As of 1885, the order already consisted of 4 classes: 1st class, 1st class with a crown, 2nd class, 3rd class and a silver medal "For Merit." After expansion in 1897 with the gold medal "For Merit," the order in 1909 was expanded to 6 classes. To this were added the Officer's Cross and 4th grade. The award with the crown was introduced as a special promotion for the remaining classes (except the Officer's Cross) and the Gold Medal of Merit. This is in the color of the stage, so gold or silver. Swords were awarded for military merit. The crosses crossed through the center, and the medals shown here crossed over the medal. The award of the gold medal "For Merit" with a crown assumed the rank of lieutenant sergeant major, old officer assistant or senior music master. Military officials in comparable position were also eligible for the crown award. The combination with the crown and swords is very rare, since only members of military units whose chief was the prince, or citizens who served in other military units, were eligible for the award. The exact figures are not known as they have not been made public. The reverse, contrary to the foundation, was often worn as an obverse. Source: J. Nimmergut, Deutsche Orden und Ehrenzeichen bis 1945, vol. II, 1997.

Gold-plated silver medal with raised border. 2 crossed, antique swords pass through the corrugated eye. Above the swords, a gilded, semi-fed crown was connected to the segment. A ribbon ring passes through the imperial crown apple.

Front side:

• On the edge is a circular pearl thread.
• Inside a laurel wreath with fruits tied from below with a bow, the inscription:
• - For -/- merit - with a fracture, including a horizontal decorative line expanded in the center.

Downside:

• On the edge is a circular pearl thread.
The
• letters - H - R - are intertwined and decorated in the center.
• Letter - R - cross-hatched. A cipher without a crown above it.

Tape:

• yellow 35 mm wide, edges 1 mm, side stripes black/red 3.5 mm each.

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Obverse: Gold Medal of Merit 2. Model with crown and swords

Reverse: Gold Medal of Merit 2. Model with crown and swords

Established:

In 1897, Prince Henry XIV. The younger line of Royce
1909 Foundation of the crown and swords

Awarded:

1909 – 1918

Data:

• Material: Silver gilded
• Size: 33mm, swords 32 x 2mm
• Weight: about 27g

estimated collector price:

1000 – 1100 €

OEK Number:

2014