German Awards - Women and Virgins Merit Cross 1870-71

The cross was established on March 22, 1871 by King and Emperor William I in recognition of the tireless and gracious sacrifice of women and virgins in the war that ended for the benefit of the struggling and their relatives. Queen Augusta appealed to her husband on November 12, 1870 with a request to create a new order "For female merit during the war against France." Loans were granted to persons offered personally by the Queen and distinguished themselves in the care and care of the wounded in the war against France, and later in other activities for her benefit. The cross was awarded an award patent dated July 18, 1871. The princesses received the highest letter of award from the king. The Merit Cross was not refundable. Notable manufacturers are Godet and Wagner & Sohn of Berlin. There are crosses with Godet 800 and W punctures, as well as without a puncture. Especially because of the design, in the shape of the Iron Cross, the award is highly sought after and unique as a women's award. Contrary to the Iron Cross, the Cross of Merit of Women and Virgins in the First World War was not renewed. The cross has been awarded more than 2,900 times. Among them were 43 royal highnesses.

Cross in the form of the Iron Cross. The cross consists of a silver 2-part coffin, which is soldered. The front and back sides of the coffin have a 2-step edge raised inside, from which the inner edge is shaded with a semicircular and small transverse stroke. The inner sides are painted black. On the upper cruciform shoulder there is a transversely standing ear, through which an elongated ribbon ring is stretched.

Front side:

• Red Geneva cross with white edges.

Downside:

• The middle letters are A W for Augusta and Wilhelm.
• On the upper cross is a royal crown.
• On the lower cruciform sleeve, the numbers of the year - 1870-1871 - are separated by a transverse stroke.
• All inscriptions are deepened and engraved by hand.

Tape:

35 mm white, 2 mm edges, 6 mm black edge strips.

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