Awards of Germany - Royal Crown Order Cross 4th Class 1861-1862

The Order of the Crown shown here is 4. Class, is the 1st award form of the order. The first form was given very soon after foundation and is therefore extremely rare. This is very clearly seen by the high crown in the medallion, which in design resembles a bishop's cap or Austrian crown. Because of this, the 1st form was dropped very quickly and a new medallion was created. 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 had a crown like that of this cross. 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.
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, 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.

Bronze, gilded cross. The inner sides of the cross-shaped sleeves (without enamel) are fine-grained. At a short distance inside, the edging is golden, polished and raised. Front and back sides with superimposed round silver medallion. On top is a soldered eye with a ribbon ring.

Front side:

In the
• center is a silver medallion with a wide blue enameled ring with the inscription:
• - GOD - WITH - US -, below a flower decoration with twigs on the right and left .
In the
• gilded center is a tall, episcopal-like Prussian royal crown.

Downside:

In the
• center is a silver medallion with a wide blue enameled ring with the inscription:
• - DEN - 18 - OCTOBER - 1861 -. The closed midfield is finely combed.
In the
• center are intertwined letters - W - R - for Wilhelm Rex.

Tape:

Width 29 mm, blue.

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