Awards of Germany - Royal Crown Order Cross 3rd Class 1863-1868

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. 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. So, all classes were also awarded swords for military merit. 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. 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. On top is a soldered eye with a ribbon ring.

Front side:

in the
• center is a gilded medallion with a wide blue enameled ring with the inscription:
• - GOD - S - US -, in the gilded center a smaller Prussian royal 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:

• Width 29 mm, blue.

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