German Awards - Mary Cross, Military Merit Cross for Women and Virgins

The Cross of St. Mary was established on January 10, 1918 as a cross for military merit for women and virgins by Duke Frederick II. donated. Women and virgins who received services in caring for wounded and sick soldiers or otherwise devoted themselves to military care were awarded. The awards proposals came from the Duchess. The establishment of a women's cross of merit was proposed back in 1915. Duke gave up the foundation until 1917. In October 1917, he agreed to the creation of the fund. The crosses were designed and made by court jeweler Heinzelman of Dessau.

Silver-plated bronze cross. Straight cruciform shoulders with rounded, wider ends of cruciform shoulders. The cruciform shoulders have raised smooth edges. The insides are finely indented. Front and back with an embossed circular central shield. On the upper cruciform shoulder is an ordinary ear with a ribbon ring.

Front side:

• On the upper cruciform shoulder at the round end rises a small 5-tuberous crown.
• On the lower cruciform bracket at the round end, the year increases - 1918 -.
• The round central scutellum with raised smooth margin is smooth inside.
In
• a closed field, ornate, intertwined letters - M - F -.
• Monogram for Duchess Mary and Duke Frederick.

Downside:

• The round central scutellum with raised smooth margin is smooth inside.
In the
• closed field is an image of the coat of arms of Ankhaltina.
• In the middle it is perpendicularly divided by a stroke, on the left half of an eagle.
• On the right is the Saxon coat of arms with a diagonal diamond crown.

Tape:

25 mm dark green, edge 1 mm, side stripes white/green/white 1 mm each.

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