German Awards - Wilhelmskreuz for Public Welfare (Anniversary Edition)

The cross was established by decree of King William II on September 13, 1915. The reason was the rewarding at home of persons who have earned merits in the field of public welfare with their work or volunteer activities. They could not be awarded the Iron Cross, but had to receive recognition. For merits in the war, the cross was awarded on a ribbon with and without swords. On these crosses on the reverse in the medallion there is an inscription - Military merit -. With swords, the cross was awarded mainly for merits at the front. The upper class, like a cross with a crown and swords, was awarded only to military men who had previously worn a cross on a ribbon. Crosses were not refundable. The cross depicted here without a back inscription is called the "anniversary edition." For the anniversary of the government, it was possible to submit applications for awarding orders and honorary signs. First of all, Wilhelm's cross was to be awarded without a back inscription. This regulated the letter of the Ministry of State of July 31, 1916. Received applications are estimated at 1700. Documents for the anniversary edition have a uniform date of October 5, 1916 and are made less jewelry. The number of awards of crosses without swords for military merit and public welfare is about 1900 pieces. 1916/17 crosses were made and awarded, bronze in military metal. The number of embossed zinc crosses is 5429 pieces. The band ring is flat or round in late crosses.

Dark oxidized bronze cross. Smooth-edged crosses rounded at the ends. The inner sides are finely chopped. Front and back sides with a round medallion. On the upper cruciform shoulder there is a soldered eye with a ribbon ring.

Front side:

• The central shield is surrounded by an oak-leafy wreath, which is tied with a cross above and below.
In
• a closed field, the letter - W - is in Gothic font.
• On the lower cross sleeve number of the year - 1915 -.
• On the upper cruciform shoulder is a crown.

Downside:

• The central shield is surrounded by an oak-leafy wreath, tied with a cross above and below.
• A closed field without an inscription is finely cut.

Tape:

yellow 35 mm, black edges 2 mm, side stripes yellow/black 4 mm/3 mm.

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