German Awards - Merit Cross 4. 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. The new 1st class was a gold cross with oak foliage as the covering for the ribbon ring. 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. About 440 awards without swords are known. 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. 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:

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

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Front side: Merit Cross 4. That is sick

Reverse: Merit Cross 4. 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
March 28, 1896 renamed the cross "For Merit," the foundation of the 4th class

Awarded:

1896 – 1918

Data:

• Material: silver, enamel
• Size: 43mm
• Weight: 19.7g

estimated collector price:

400 – 430 €

OEK Number:

2857