German Awards - Order of Merit Small Cross/Cross of Honour

The Order of Merit was established by King Frederick Augustus back in 1815 as a civil order of merit. Initially, the order was divided into 3 classes: the Grand Cross, Komtur and the Knight's Cross. Unofficially, the Civil Medal was considered the 4th class. In 1849, the order was renamed the Order of Merit and expanded to 5 classes. These included the Grand Cross, Komturkreuz 1st Class, Komturkreuz 2nd Class, Knight's Cross and Small Cross. For this, he received gold and silver medals. Foreigners were awarded the order with a different inscription on the reverse. (For merit) In 1858, the Small Cross was renamed the Honorary Cross. Swords for military merit were instituted for all classes in 1866. The swords on the ring were presented by King Johann only in 1870 for holders of the "Mir" class cross, who subsequently received military merit or for those who received a higher class but previously had lower-class military decoration. In 1876, there was a change in statutes. The knight's cross was divided into the 1st and 2nd. The class is divided. The honorary cross was no longer awarded and could be exchanged for the Knight's Cross of the 2nd class. For the gold medal "For Merit," the cross "For Merit" was established. An exchange was also possible. The new 6 classes were: Big Cross, Komtur 1st and 2nd. Class, 1st and 2nd class knights. Class and Merit Cross.
In 1891, as a final extension, the golden crown was given to the Grand Cross and Comtur. The breast star of the Grand Cross became 8-ray.
Small crosses, honorary since 1858, are very rare due to the short duration of the award and the possibility of exchange for a knight's cross of the 2nd class. We are talking about 210 crosses that were not exchanged.

Eight-pointed cross made of silver. Crosses with beveled, raised, polished edges. The insides are finely indented. Enameled medallions are placed in front and behind. Between the tips of the upper cruciform shoulder is an ordinary ear with a ribbon ring.

Front side:

• Medallion with a wide double-breasted silver rim.
• Closed field with white enameled backing.
In the
• center is the black and golden green coat of arms of Saxony, above it is a golden royal crown.
• On the rim is a black inscription: - FRIED. - AUG. - K. - V. - SAXONY - D. - 7. - JUN. – 1815. –
• The inscription at the top is interrupted by a crown.

Downside:

• Medallion with a wide double-breasted silver rim.
• Closed field with white enameled backing.
• On it, at a short distance from the edge, a green circulating oak-leaved wreath.
• In the nested field, 4-line black: - FOR -/- MERIT -/- AND -/- FIDELITY -.

Tape:

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Front: Order of Merit Small Cross/Cross of Honour

Reverse: Order of Merit Small Cross/Cross of Honour

Established:

June 7, 1815 by King Frederick Augustus I.
In 1849 it was renamed the Order of Merit

Awarded:

1849 – 1876

Data:

• Material: silver, partially enameled
• Size: 35mm
• Weight: 13g

estimated collector price:

5000 – 5500 €

OEK Number:

2107/2