The Royal Crown Order could be awarded from 1864 also with swords for services to the enemy. Provisions on this were published by analogy with the Order of the Red Eagle of September 16, 1848. The order with swords was worn on a black and white ribbon. When assigned the highest class, the military decoration of the already awarded military order was worn on the ribbon twice black and three times white striped. For the highest military ranks for merits in enemy fire, the color of the ribbon was white with black stripes. For merits without enemy influence, crosses without swords were awarded, but with a white and black ribbon. All sword decorations were subject to return. Orders of the Crown with a smaller crown in a medallion with swords were awarded only for the wars of 1864-1866. For 1864, only 99 awards are indicated. Of these, 49 received foreigners. 45 went to the Austrians. 3 crosses with swords on a white and black ribbon were awarded. For 1866, including repeated awards, 217 crosses. The only proven foreigner was the Mecklenburg-Schwerin captain Boddien. 10 awards took place on the white and black ribbon. The Order of the Crown was established on October 18, 1861 by King William I in memory of the coronation. The Royal Crown Order originally consisted of 4 classes. Crosses from the first to the third grade had white enameled cruciform arms, the fourth grade was without enameled cruciform arms. 1st and 2nd grades were awarded as a cross, as well as a chest star. During the award, the crown in the middle medallion had various forms that give an idea of the award period. The first award period from 1861 to the end of 1862 showed a crown that was very high and a bit like the Austrian crown, the so-called bishop's cap. The second rental period or the 2nd model of 1863-1868 had a round, small crown. In 1869, the small crown was replaced by a large crown. The 3rd form with gold medallions was awarded from 1869 to 1916. From 1917 to 1918, crosses and medallions were made of silver with gilding and can be as 4th. The model is classified. Source: Mike Estelmann, "New Knowledge of the Models of the Royal Prussian Order of the Crown," paper at the 16th Scientific Symposium of the German Society for Order Studies 2013, J. Nimmergut, "German Orders and Insignia before 1945," vol. II, 1997.
Golden cross with white enameled crosses. In cruciform sleeves at a distance inside a golden thin rim. Front and back sides with superimposed round medallion. Between the cross sleeves there are 2 crossed, antique swords with Roman paired poles. (sword lost) A soldered ear with a ribbon ring on top.
Front side:
Downside:
Tape:
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Obverse: Royal Crown Order Cross 3rd class with swords 1864-1866
Reverse: Royal Crown Order of the Cross 3rd class with swords 1864-1866
Awards of World War II