Physical Description

A smooth and polished Rupert cross with a narrow border, constructed of gold. A crown is attached to the 12 o’clock arm by means of a loop and eyelet. The obverse medallion features a smooth border and a pebbled crowned monogram ‘L’ on a pebbled background. The reverse medallion features a ‘50’ and around it the circular inscription ‘IAHRE TREUER DIENSTE’ (50 years of loyal service). On loop for suspension, on a dark red ribbon with broad white side stripes.
An unofficial variant was made of bronze gilt.

History

The Military Long Service Cross was founded by Grand Duke Ludwig III and was originally conferred upon military personnel in recognition of long and meritorious service.

The Gold Cross was awarded to Officers and the Silver Cross was awarded to Non-Commissioned Officers. Members of the military who filled non-combat related roles, as well as members of the Gendarmerie were eligible to receive the cross. As of 1847, civil servants became eligible to receive the cross, as long as they were committee members of the military court.

The crosses awarded between the years of 1833 and 1839 feature Roman numerals on the reverse, while the crosses awarded between the years of 1839 to 1871 feature Arabic numerals on the reverse.

On October 30, 1839, a crown was added to the Gold and Silver Crosses to indicate 50 years of service.

The Gold Cross for 50 Years was originally conferred upon Officers in recognition of 50 years of faithful service, but beginning in 1897, it was awarded to high ranking court officials.

On May 5, 1897, the Military Long Service Cross was renamed the Court Officials Long Service Decoration.