German Awards - Wilhelm Ernst Kriegskreutz

The military cross was presented by Grand Duke Wilhelm Ernst on 10 June 1915. They were issued: members of the infantry regiment of the Grand Duke of Saxony 5th Thuringian No. 94, as well as officers, non-commissioned officers and soldiers of the unit, who were assigned to other units when mobilized. In addition, this also affected citizens of the Grand Duchy who served in other parts of the German army. A prerequisite was the previous award of the Iron Cross of the 1st class. During the award period, 366 awards of the Military Cross of Wilhelm Ernst are known. The design and manufacture was undertaken by Theodor Müller in Weimar. Crosses of silver and gold came to the award ceremony, as well as silver with silver gilded parts.

Silver Cross. Front and back sides with raised, gold, round medallion. The cruciform shoulders of the front side are painted white and have smooth silver edges. 2 crossed gilded swords pass through the center. The back is smooth silver with a vertical pin.

Front side:

• Golden central shield with raised edge and radiant wreath in the center.
• It lies on the central shield (20 mm) of the Weimar falcon (24 mm).
• It is painted white enameled and painted gold.
• Starting from the edge of the lower cruciform shoulder on the left and right are 2 curved laurel branches.
• Lateral cruciform arms and crossed swords are superimposed on them.
• Laurel branches end with the last leaf on the edge of the upper cross.
• Laurel branches are golden with green enameled leaves. (17 on both sides)

Downside:

• Golden central shield (20 mm) with a raised edge.
• The enclosed field is enameled with blue with a radiant wreath.
• It has gold intertwined letters - E W - under one crown.
• The lower cross sleeve is engraved with the date of the year - 1915.

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Obverse: Wilhelm Ernst Kriegskreutz

Reverse: Wilhelm Ernst Kriegskreuz

Established:

June 10, 1915 Grand Duke Wilhelm Ernst

Awarded:

1915 – 1918

Data:

• Material: silver, enamel
• Size: 46mm
• Weight: about 35g

estimated collector price:

2500 - 2800 € silver/gold
2000 - 2200 € silver/gold plated silver

OEK Number:

2417