Germany Awards - Officer's Cross with Swords

The Order of Merit for the Principality of Waldeck was originally established as a medal on July 3, 1857 by Prince Georg Friedrich. On January 14, 1871, the Order of Merit was established. On September 26, 1878, the 3rd grade was awarded a silver cross and a silver medal for merit. Since January 14, 1891, the cross is 2nd class. On March 28, 1896, Prince Friedrich renamed it the Cross of Merit and expanded it to 4 classes. The 1st Class Merit Cross now has a princely cap over the cross. The 2nd Class Meritorious Service Cross is now with an oak band ring covering. 3rd grade was formed by the previous 2nd grade and 4th grade by the previous 3rd grade. In 1899, the silver honorary cross became the 5th. Class added. The officer's cross was introduced as a pin only on January 20, 1912 and took place between the 2nd and 3rd grades. On May 12, 1915, all classes were granted swords for military merit. Since February 1918, for the award of swords, the possession of the Iron Cross was 1. Class requirement. He was awarded swords only from 1915 to 1918 and therefore very rarely. The award number is listed at 23. Source: J. Nimmergut, Deutsche Orden und Ehrenzeichen bis 1945, vol. III, 1999.

A plaster cross made of gilded silver in the form of a Johannite cross. The cruciform arms are maroon golden and enameled white. Front side with a large enameled middle shield worn. 2 crossed antique swords pass through the center. The back side is smooth with a vertical pin.

Front side:

• A round central shield is laid on an 8-striped black enameled stral wreath.
• The edges of the rays are golden-polished. It has a round shield with a gold, serrated border.
• The enclosed field is covered with white enamel with a gold burgundy red enameled pyrmont anchor cross

Downside:

• Smooth without enamel.
In
• the center is a round lining.

Front side: officer's cross with swords

Reverse: Officer's cross with swords

Established:

July 3, 1857 Establishment of the Medal of Merit by Prince Georg Victor
January 14, 1871 the establishment of the Order of Merit
December 20, 1912 Officer Cross Foundation
May 12, 1915 Sword Foundation

Awarded:

1915 – 1918

Data:

• Material: silver (gilded), enamel
• Size: 48mm cross, 52mm x 3mm swords
• Weight: 24.1g

estimated collector price:

3200 – 3400 €

OEK Number:

2854