Awards of Germany - Royal Crown Order of the Cross of the 2nd class with swords 1869-1916 (1918)

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 a cross, as well as a breast star. During the award, the crown in the middle medallion had various forms that give an idea of ​ ​ the award period. According to the latest data, you can now assign 4 models and production periods. 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. During the award, many additions to the Order of the Crown were made. Thus, all classes were also awarded swords for military merit since 1864. The anniversaries received round anniversary signs on the ring of the ribbon. Diamond awards are also known. Special forms are crosses with a red cross or Ioannite cross laid. Knights of the Order of the Red Eagle could be additionally awarded the bandeau of the Order of the Red Eagle. Swords could be attached to the ring on the upper cross shoulder as swords, awarded as swords through the center, and when re-awarded to the enemy with both swords.

Gold, hollow cross with white enameled cruciform arms. In cruciform sleeves at a distance inside a golden thin rim. Front and back sides with superimposed round medallion. 2 crossed golden swords pass through the center. Above, a soldered transversely standing tab for an elongated band ring. On the lower cruciform shoulder, the tooth mark is W - (Wagner).

Front side:

in the
• center is a gilded medallion with a wide blue enameled ring with the inscription:
• - GOD - WITH - US -, in the gilded center the Prussian royal crown (large crown)
• At the bottom is a flower ornament with twigs on the right and left

Downside:

in the
• center is a gilded medallion with a wide blue enameled ring with the inscription:
• - DEN - 18 - OCTOBER - 1861 -, in the gilded center winding letters - W - R -

Tape:

57 mm wide black ribbon, edges 3 mm, white side stripes 11 mm.

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