The order presented here is the Knight's Cross of the Order of Military Merit, which was awarded from 1806 to 1816. This order was originally established as the military order of Karl Karl Eugene as early as 1759. The future King Frederick I resumed the order as Duke Frederick II on November 6, 1799, dividing it into 3 classes: Grand Cross, Commander and Knight. After the accession to the Pressburg world on November 26, 1805, the order in 1806 was renamed the Order of Military Merit. The charter was adopted in November. The regulation on this order stated that the order should be included in the title and coat of arms and always wear it. For non-payment, a fine was imposed. Until 1816, the motto of the order was Bene merentibus ("Those who deserve").
Since September 23, 1818, this order was awarded exclusively for military merits. The motto changed to - Fearless and Treu -. The award was associated with the elevation to the nobility and honorary gold was paid. From 1806 to 1918, 5 versions came to the award. The differences were in the initials on the medallion. From 1806 to 1816, the letters - F R -, from 1818 to 1864 the letter - W -, the 1870 edition had one - K R -, and since 1892 the letters - W R - respectively above the letter one crown. The knight's cross uniform shown here was awarded a total of 620 times from 1806 to 1816. Source: Jörg Nemmergut, German Orders and insignia until 1945 3.
Hollow, 8-sharp cross made of gold with small balls at the tips of the crosses. Between the cross sleeves there are 5 gold, stepped rays. The front side of the crosses is enameled in white. In the center is a round medallion. Between the apices of the upper cruciform shoulder is an angular parallel ear. A wide corrugated ribbon ring passes through them.
Front side:
Downside:
Tape:
yellow 35 mm wide, 1 mm rim, 5 mm black side stripes.
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Obverse: Order of Military Merit Knight's Cross 1806
Order of Military Merit Knight's Cross 1806
Awards of World War II