German Awards - Merit Cross 4. Class 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. The medal was now classified as 2nd class. In 1878, the 3rd class was donated. Since January 14, 1891, the cross is 2nd class. 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. Since 1918, only soldiers who previously held the Iron Cross 1st Class have been awarded swords. It is known about 596 awards. Only Waldeck-Pyrmont subjects who earned money on the princely house and land had the right to admission.
Due to the size of the principality, crosses are very rare. 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. In front with a large central shield superimposed. The back side with a round small middle shield. 2 crossed swords pass through the center. Between the tips of the upper cruciform shoulder is a wider ear with 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 silver. 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:

• white 34 mm wide, edging 1 mm, side stripes black/red/yellow 2 mm each.

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Front side: Merit Cross 4. Class with swords

Reverse: Merit Cross 4. Class 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
May 12, 1915 Sword Foundation

Awarded:

1915 – 1918

Data:

• Material: silver, partly gilded, enamel
• Size: 43mm cross, swords 47mm x 2mm
• Weight: 23.4g

estimated collector price:

520 – 550 €

OEK Number:

2858