The knight's cross with swords depicted here is 1 uniform that was awarded only during the wars of 1866 and 1870/71. Characteristic is a painted anteroposterior medallion without an internal dividing line to the coat of arms and a black font. Later crosses have a relief coat of arms and a dividing line between census and coat of arms. The Knight's Cross 1st Class with swords was awarded only 194 times from 1866 to 1871.
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. Source: J. Nimmergut, Deutsche Orden und Ehrenzeichen until 1945, vol. III, 1999.
Eight-pointed golden cross. Front and back sides with superimposed round medallion. The cruciform arms are painted white enameled and gold. On the front side through the middle are 2 gold, antique swords. Between the cross sleeves are green enameled segments in the form of a diamond-shaped crown, superimposed on the front side with swords. In the center of the upper cruciform shoulder is a soldered eye with a ribbon ring.
Front side:
Downside:
Tape:
Photos of www.medalnet.net
Obverse: Order of Merit Knight's Cross 1st Class with Swords 1866
Reverse: Order of Merit Knight's Cross 1st Class with Swords 1866
Awards of World War II