German Awards - Merit Cross 2. That is sick

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 first classes have white enameled cruciform arms and a gold border. In 1915, all classes were awarded swords for military merit. Only Waldeck-Pyrmont subjects who earned money on the princely house and land had the right to admission. The 2nd Class Meritorious Service Cross without swords was awarded a total of 195 times. Source: J. Nimmergut, Deutsche Orden und Ehrenzeichen bis 1945, vol. III, 1999.

A cross made of gold or silver gilded in the form of a Johannite cross. The cross arms are sheathed in gold and enameled in white. In front with a large central shield superimposed. The back side with a round small middle shield. Between the tops of the upper cruciform shoulder is a transversely standing ear, into which golden oak foliage with an elongated ribbon ring is suspended.

Front side:

• Overhead central shield in the form of an 8-layer black enameled stral wreath.
• The edges of the rays are polished with gold. It has a round shield with a gold border.
• The enclosed field is covered in white enamel with a gold burgundy red enameled Pyrmonter anchor cross

Downside:

• Golden central shield with border.
• On a finely grainy background, 2-line font - FOR -/- VERSTAND -.

Tape:

• Collar golden yellow 48 mm wide, edging 1 mm, side stripes black/red 3 mm each.

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Front side: Merit Cross 2. That is sick

Reverse: Merit Cross 2. That is sick

Established:

July 3, 1857 Establishment of the Medal of Merit by Prince Georg Victor
January 14, 1871 the establishment of the Order of Merit
January 14, 1891 awarded the cross of the 2nd class

Awarded:

1891 – 1918

Data:

• Material: gold, enamel
• Size: 53mm
• Weight: about 27g

estimated collector price:

2200 - 2400 € in gold
1200 - 1300 € silver gilded

OEK Number:

2851