German Awards - Merit Cross 3. That is sick

The cross presented here since 1896 was the 3rd class of the Cross of Merit. Until then, the cross was considered the second. He was awarded the Order of Merit. The design of both classes is the same. The size of the previous 2nd class should be 0.5 mm larger. Weight also deviates minimally. The distinction of 2nd class from 1890 to 1896 and 3rd class from 1896 to 1918 is very difficult. 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 class was formed by the previous 2nd class, and 4th class was the previous 3rd class. In 1899, the silver honorary cross became the 5th. Class added. The previous 2nd class until 1896 was awarded only 35 times. 3rd class from 1896 to 1918 was awarded 265 times. Together, this is only 300 awards. Efler provides awards for grade 3 between 1896 and 1918 272. Source: J. Nimmergut, Deutsche Orden und Ehrenzeichen bis 1945, vol. III, 1999.

The silver cross is 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 apices of the upper cruciform shoulder there is a transversely standing eye and a ribbon ring.

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:

• golden yellow 36 mm wide, edging 1 mm, side stripes black/red 4 mm each.

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