German Awards - Fire Merit Cross of the Württemberg State Fire Union

The Fire Service Cross was established by the Württemberg Firefighters Association on May 14, 1924. It was awarded to members of the Union who served conscientiously and unquestioningly in the fire department for 40 or 50 years and have had the state insignia for 25 years. Distinguished firefighters also received awards. In exceptional cases, persons who were not part of the fire department, but especially deserved in the field of fire extinguishing, could also be awarded. Awarding was carried out on application and with reimbursement of expenses for awarding a diploma. The terms of the award were specified and expanded in 1925 and 1926. Now the district fire inspectors have distinguished themselves, having served in the fire service for at least 25 years, of which 15 years are district fire inspectors. In addition, the commander of fire brigades in communities that have been commanders for at least 10 years and have been in service for 30 years, with an alarm line, and 35 years, respectively, without an alarm line. Members of fire brigades and professional fire brigades may be awarded after 30 years of service, 20 years as a team or professional fire brigade. For firefighters who received the cross after 40 or 50 years of service, wreaths with the appropriate number were laid on the blue ribbon. Gold plated for 50 years and silver plated for 40 years. The oak wreath was 19 mm in size and tied at the bottom. Those who have already received the cross received a wreath after the end of the service. It is not possible to safely assign a manufacturer. The number of awards accepted is about 1000 pieces.

Silver cross with expanding smooth cross-shaped sleeves. The edges are slightly beveled. Front and back with embossed round central screen. Between the cruciform sleeves at a distance from each other is a laurel wreath measuring 30 mm, 3 mm wide, gilded. On the upper cruciform shoulder, a small ear is soldered in parallel. Through this is another ring with a ring of tape. On the front side of the lower cruciform shoulder is a silver punch - 800 -.

Front side:

• Round central shield (15 mm) with a raised rounded edge.
In
• a surrounded black field, it elevates 3 deer wands among themselves.
• On cruciform hands, the font increases: above - WÜRTT.-, left - LAND -,
• on the right - FIRE EXTINGUISHER, below - BANDAGE.

Downside:

• Round central shield (15 mm) with a raised rounded edge.
• A fireman's helmet rises in a surrounded black field.
• Behind him are 2 crossed axes of firefighters. On cruciform shoulders, the font increases:
• Top - FOR -, left - LOYALTY -, right - SERVICES -, bottom 3 oak leaves with 2 acorns.

Tape:

blue 35 mm wide.

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