German Awards - Sword Merit Cross

Swords for the Cross of Merit were awarded on January 29, 1915 by King William II. donated. After the outbreak of war, the Cross of Merit through swords became the reward of the war. It was awarded mainly to lieutenants and non-commissioned officers who had already been awarded the Iron Cross. These acts were recognized as insufficient for awarding the knight's cross of the 2nd class of the Order of Frederick. Later, on September 13, 1915, the possibilities of awarding were expanded by the Wilhelm Cross. In the early months, Zürzer delivered the first copies. After that, production passed to the Royal Mint of Stuttgart. During the World War, 2,284 crosses with swords were awarded. Crosses were not refundable

Silver cross with rounded ends of the cross. The edges are raised and smooth. The inner sides of the cross sleeves are granular. Front and back with round middle shields worn. 2 crossed, gilded swords pass through the center. On the upper cruciform shoulder, a parallel standing ear is knocked out. An elongated band ring passes through them.

Front side:

• Central shield with smooth raised border.
In
• a closed, thinly grained field, the Gothic letter is W -.
• Above it is the royal crown.

Downside:

• Central shield with smooth raised border.
In a
• field surrounded by fine grain, a circular inscription - MERIT -
There are 6
• ray stars below.

Tape:

Obverse: Sword Cross of Merit

Reverse: Sword Cross of Merit

Established:

July 2, 1900 by King William II.
January 29, 1915 Sword Foundation

Awarded:

1915 – 1918

Data:

• Material: silver, partly gilded
• Size: 31mm, swords 32.5mm x 1.5mm
• Weight: 13g

estimated collector price:

220 – 240 €

OEK Number:

3076