German Awards - Order of the Iron Helmet

Elector Wilhelm I of Hesse-Kassel established this order on March 18, 1814. The award was established on the occasion of the liberation war against Napoleon's foreign rule. Merits were to be awarded in a real struggle with the enemy for the freedom and independence of Germany, for the legitimate prince and fatherland. The prince called the order "a kind of award" and determined that the order was awarded only for this war and after it was not subject to further awarding. A 3-class award was provided, consisting of the Grand Cross of the 1st and 2nd classes. but only 2nd grade was awarded. As in the case of the Prussian Iron Cross, the Grand Cross was to be awarded to commanders in the event of a won battle, capture or successful defense of the fortress. The 1st class was envisaged as the upper class, according to the principle of higher service. In addition, a ribbon cross on the left side of the chest should identify this. Distinguished soldiers from Hesse-Kassel, as well as soldiers of the allied forces, distinguished themselves by "high deeds." 10 awards are known: 4 Prussian, 3 Austrian, 2 Russian and one British soldier.
In 1815 he was awarded the Iron Helmet. Unlike the foundation, they had a German cross made of iron with a silver edging as the body of the cross. Kompff is known as the manufacturer of both options. Crosses without a producer designation are controversial, but appear (as here) on occupied estates.
The award number in this version with a trefoil cross, or also a brabantic cross, is indicated in 79 pieces.
The second variant with the German cross is designated 68. The Order of the Iron Helmet is probably unique in design and symbolism among German orders. Therefore, these products, even due to rarity, are very expensive. Source: Jörg Nemmergut "German Orders and Insignia until 1945" Volume 1, 1999.

Iron cross with silver, beveled on the front, rim and cast core. Ends of crosses in the form of shamrocks. The front side with an overlay in the form of an antique knight's helmet with silver inserts is applied to the body of the cross using 2 rivets. On the upper cruciform shoulder there is a wide parallel eye through which a double ribbon ring passes.

Front side:

• The support in the form of a knight's helmet has an open visor with 4 slots on each side.
• It is attached with 2 rivets. The Helmzier consists of 5 overhanging feathers.
• On the forehead of the helmet is a silver lion head surrounded by a mane.
• The halsberg consists of 3 plates, each with 3 silver rivets on the right and left.
• The chest of the helmet has a curved silver shield in the center.
• It has enlarged letters - W - K - for Wilhelm Kurfürst.
• To the left and right of it perpendicular, respectively, is an armored rail with 2 silver rivets on it.
• On the lower cross sleeve in an iron core, a commensurately small number of the year is 1814.

Downside:

• The iron core is smooth with straight silver edging.
• On the upper and lower crosses, one rivet from the support.
• The central vertical designation of the manufacturer - KOMPFF - in a double frame.
• Here without this manufacturer identification.

Tape:

• crimson red 46 mm, edges 4 mm, side stripes white 5 mm. Later replaced: 37 mm, edge 1 mm, side stripes 9 mm.

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