Germany Awards - Gold Medal of Merit with Swords

A gold medal with swords was awarded for military merit in the 1st World War. As with other awards of the Waldeck War, possession of the Iron Cross was generally considered a prerequisite. This became known only on February 23, 1918. The gold medal "For Merit" was established on July 4, 1899 by Prince Frederick. The Cross of Merit was expanded by the Silver Honorary Cross. He now ranks between 4th grade and the Gold Medal of Merit. The medal "For Merit" (enameled), established back in 1857 by Prince Georg Victor, had various names. Awarded from 1891 to 1899 as the "Gold Medal of Merit," it was to, according to the foundation of the new Gold Medal of Merit, be awarded as a medal for art and science. Swords for the Waldeck Cross classes of Merit and the Gold and Silver Medal of Merit were instituted by oral order of Prince Frederick in March 1915. The release took place only on May 12, 1915. The Sword Medal was awarded a total of 410 times during the World War. They were made of silver and probably gilded in bronze by the end of the war. Source: J. Nimmergut, Deutsche Orden und Ehrenzeichen bis 1945, vol. III, 1999.

Round medal of gilded silver with a raised border. An ordinary ear is soldered on top. They hang 2 crossed, ancient, gilded swords. In the center on swords is a soldered, transverse ear with a ribbon ring.

Front side:

In the
• center on a smooth background is the 8-ray star of the coat of arms of Waldeck.
• The star consists of 8 beams of rays of 8 graduated single rays each.
In the
• center is a round medallion with a raised border. Pyrmont's anchor cross towered in it.

Downside:

• Central on an even background enlarged 2-line font - FOR -/- MERIT -.

Tape:

• white 25 mm wide, edging 1 mm, side stripes black/red/yellow 2 mm each.

.