German awards - Military service cross of non-commissioned officers and privates of the 2nd class for 15 years 1868-1913.

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 15 years had silver middle shields. In 1913, the years of service were extended by the Grand Duke Friedrich Franz IV. again adapted to Prussian service awards. For the distinction of service awards, the Roman numeral 15 since 1913 has no more points. Source: J. Nimmergut, Deutsche Orden und Ehrenzeichen bis 1945, vol. II, 1997.

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

Front side:

• The central shield with a double raised edge inside is corrugated.
In
• a closed field, intertwined letters - P - F - M -
• (Paul Friedrich Mecklenburg) A crown hovers above him.

Downside:

In
• central shield with double border, inside corrugated, Roman number 15 - XV. -.

Tape:

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

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