On January 14, 1871, Prince George Victor established the Order of Merit. 1st class was a gold cross with oak foliage as a covering for a ribbon ring. Second grade is a medal. 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. On July 4, 1899, a silver honorary cross and a gold medal "For Merit" were attached to those depicted here. On January 20, 1912, the classes were expanded with a merit cross as a plug cross. The so-called officer's cross occupies a place between the 2nd and 3rd grades. The first classes have white enameled cruciform arms and a gold border. In 1915, all classes were awarded swords for military merit. Since 1918, only soldiers who previously held the Iron Cross 1st Class have been awarded swords. The silver cross was awarded very rarely. The award number without swords is indicated in 232 pieces. The Cross of Honor was also awarded during the World War with swords crossed through the center. Source: J. Nimmergut, Deutsche Orden und Ehrenzeichen bis 1945, vol. III, 1999.
Silver cross in the form of a Johannite cross. Cross arms with smooth polished edges. The inner sides are finely indented. Front and back with a round central shield worn. Between the tips of the upper cruciform shoulder is an ordinary ear with a ribbon ring.
Front side:
Downside:
Tape:
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Front: Silver Cross of Honour
Reverse: Silver Cross
Awards of World War II