German Awards - Military Merit Cross 1864

This award was instituted by King William I on 27 February 1864.
The Cross of Merit was awarded for special and repeated merits and valiant deeds. Soldiers from sergeant major down had the right to receive. Crosses were made of various materials. Of gold, this award was presented from 1866 to 1906, silver were gilded crosses of 1914-1918, and bronze - gilded after 1918. The first crosses are very rare, as their number is less than 40 pieces. During World War I, about 1800 awards were presented.
Gilt bronzes probably also refer to these awards and were transferred later due to material shortages. Gold crosses have the manufacturer's designation - H - silver gilded - W -.

The cross is gilt silver with sleek cross sleeves. Front and rear with a round central shield. The edges are bordered by 3 thin lines. On the upper cruciform shoulder is a pupate ear with a ribbon ring. Puntsen - W - and - 938 -.

Front side:

In
• central narrow edge shield 2-line font: - KRIEGS - VERSTEHEN -
• On the lower edge there are 2 tied laurel branches.

Downside:

In
• central shield with narrow border rough letters - W - R -.
• Prussian royal crown.

Tape:

• 35 mm black, 2 mm edges, 7 mm white edge strips.