Awards of Germany - Military Cross of non-commissioned officers and privates of the 1st class for 21 years 1868

These service decorations were instituted by Grand Duke Friedrich Franz II. 12 November 1868 for non-commissioned officers and soldiers according to the Prussian decoration. The service has now been assessed after 21, 15 and 9 years of service. Years of service during the war counted doubly. Service awards were first established on April 30, 1841 by the Grand Duke Paul Friedrich. Simultaneously with the Service Cross for officers, Military Service Crosses for non-commissioned officers and soldiers were also established. The awards in force until then were presented for 30, 25, 15 and 10 years. Crosses for 30 and 25 years were made of silver with separately minted gold medallions. For 15 years in copper with a silver medallion and at 10 years, the co-embossed central shield was copper. Since 1868, the cross was made of copper with corresponding gold, silver or copper middle shields. Crosses for 21 years had golden middle shields. In 1913, the years of service were extended by the Grand Duke Friedrich Franz IV. again adapted to Prussian service awards. Source: J. Nimmergut, Deutsche Orden und Ehrenzeichen bis 1945, vol. II, 1997.

Copper cross. The edges of the cruciform shoulders with two lines. On both sides is a gold medallion. On top is a soldered eye with a ribbon ring.

Front side:

• Central shield with double raised edge.
In
• a closed field, intertwined letters - P - F - M -
• A crown hangs over it.

Downside:

In
• central shield with a double border Roman number 21 - XXI -.

Tape:

• Width 35 mm, side stripes yellow/light blue 3 mm each, medium stripes crimson 22 mm.