Awards of Germany - Military Cross of non-commissioned officers and privates for 15 years 1841-1868

The awards were 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. Service award crosses were awarded for 30, 25, 15 and 10 years. Years of service during the war counted doubly. Crosses for 30 and 25 years were made of silver with separately minted medallions of gold and silver, respectively. For 15 years in copper with a silver medallion and at 10 years, the co-embossed central shield was copper. Gilded middle shields are known, but not in accordance with the charter.
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. Crosses of the 1st class for 21 years had gold, 2nd class for 15 years silver middle shields. The third grade, as before, is copper. 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. Centered on both sides is a gilded 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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