German Awards - Military Merit Cross (1915)

The cross was established on May 23, 1915 by Prince Henry XXVII. donated. The award consisted of only one class, the pin cross. The order was awarded to citizens of both lines, who are 1 Iron Cross. They were cool or distinguished themselves in the world war with excellent courage. Basically, the cross was awarded to officers, non-commissioned officers and soldiers who served in units commanded by the founder himself. A certificate was received for the presentation. It was worn on the left side under the Iron Cross 1st Class. The cross was not refundable after death. The manufacturer is Bury & Leonhard of Hanau. Silvered metal products are known. They have blackened cruciform arms and are attributed to Meibauer and L. Lemke, Berlin, respectively. Due to the size of the principalities, this award is very rare and expensive. The circulation should be about 360 pieces. Source: J. Nimmergut, Deutsche Orden und Ehrenzeichen bis 1945, vol. II, 1997.

A silver cross in the shape of the Iron Cross. Cross sleeves with silver edges on the front side are covered with matte black enamel. Front side with a round central shield (18.35 mm). Cruciform arms at a distance are pierced by a green enameled, silver burgundy laurel wreath. Back side with vertical pin.

• Silver central shield with raised border.
In
• a closed matte field, the Gothic letter is H -.
• Above it is a crown, and below it is the Roman number 27 - XXVII -.
• The green laurel wreath rests on the lower cruciform sleeve.
• It is connected by a silver loop.
• The lateral crosses are not overlapped by a laurel wreath.
• The tops of the green laurel wreath open and are superimposed on the upper cruciform sleeve.
• On the side cross sleeves, the silver year increases until 1914. Left: - 19 -, Right: - 14 -

Downside:

• Smooth and silver without enamel with a vertical pin with a mating hook.

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