Physical Description

A smooth George cross with a raised border, with a laurel wreath between the cross arms, constructed of cannon bronze gilt. The obverse features a crowned monogram ‘L’ in the centre, with the inscription ‘GOTT’ (12 o’clock) ‘EHRE’ (9 o’clock) ‘VATER-’ (3 o’clock) ‘LAND’ (6 o’clock) on the arms (God Honour Fatherland). The reverse is similar, except the inscription reads ‘DEN’ (12 o’clock) ‘12. SEP-’ (9 o’clock) ‘TEMBER’ (3 o’clock) ‘1870’ (6 o’clock) on the arms (September 12th, 1870). On a loop for suspension, on a light blue ribbon with broad red side stripes.
A variant with a pebbled bronze gilt cross and a loop turned by 90 degrees is known to exist. These crosses were privately manufactured.

History

The Military Merit Cross, 1870-1871 was founded by Grand Duke Ludwig III and was conferred upon military personnel who demonstrated extraordinary bravery and cunning in the face of the enemy.