Awards of Germany - Royal Order of the Crown of the 4th class with the Geneva Cross 1872-1874

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. Crosses for military merit with swords were worn on the ribbon of the Iron Cross.
The award of the established Red Cross (Geneva Cross), as well as a black-white-striped ribbon of memory with red edges took place on June 22, 1871 for the 3rd and 4th. Class entered. Individuals were awarded for patriotic exploits outside the battlefield at home. In total, from 1872 to 1874, about 1800 crosses of the 4th class with the Red Cross were awarded. In parallel with it, previously awarded crosses were worn without the Geneva Cross. After several requests from the relatives of the victims, the return requirement is no longer valid.

Gilded cross in bronze. The inner sides of the cross sleeves without enamel are finely ornamented. A short distance inside is a golden polished rim. On the upper cruciform shoulder of the front side is a raised red cross. It has narrow white edges and a golden border. Front and back sides with superimposed round medallion. Above is a soldered ordinary eye with a ribbon ring.

Front side:

In the
• center is a gilded medallion with a wide blue enameled ring with a gold inscription:
• - GOD - WITH - US -, in the gilded centre the 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 a gold inscription:
• - DEN - 18 - OCTOBER - 1861 -, in the gilded center intertwined letters - W - R -

Tape:

Obverse: 4th Class Royal Crown Order with Geneva Cross 1872-1874

Reverse: Royal Crown Order 4th Class with Geneva Cross 1872-1874

Established:

October 18, 1861 by King William I.
June 22, 1871 Introduction Commemorative ribbon and Geneva cross

Awarded:

1872 – 1874

Data:

• Material: gold-plated bronze/enamel
• Size: 41mm, red cross 10mm
• Weight: 14.5g

estimated collector price:

580 – 600 €

OEK Number:

1764