Ladies Merit Cross, in Silver
CATEGORY: Version
SKU: 02.PRU.0126.101.01.002
Estimated market value:
Estimated market value:
A round medal constructed of silver features a cross flory at the centre, the arms are cross-hatched and separated at the centre by a diagonal crosshairs, between the cross’s arms are stylized flowers, circumscribed by a wide ring with the blue-enamelled inscription “FÜR VERDIENSTE”, with blue-enamelled laurel branches to the left and right, a decorated and blue-enamelled cipher “AV” for the Empress is attached to the medal by two rivets, a border representing a pearl necklace surrounds the medallion, above is an attached German State Crown, the reverse presents a horizontal pin, above the pin is a stirrup construction which serves to hold the ribbon decoration above the crown, the white ribbon connects to the medal by a flat loop with a small eyelet, measuring 38.21 mm (w) x 57.63 mm (h - inclusive of crown), presents a small hole in the obverse of the crown, and in otherwise extremely fine condition.
The Ladies Merit Cross was instituted by King Wilhelm III in 1892 as a two-class order to reward women who selflessly dedicated their time to charity work, or performed meritorious service in fields related to social welfare or religion.
In order to receive the Gold Cross, a woman had to have held the II Class award, the Silver Cross, for at least 10 years. In special cases, this requirement was overlooked.
Despite the establishment date of 1892, the cross was not incorporated into the Prussian honour system until 1907.
The crosses feature two different crowns, the Empress crown for non-Prussian recipients, and the Royal crown for Prussian recipients.
The Gold Cross in gold was very rare, while silver-gilt finishes were more common. The manufacturer of the decoration was the Friedländer Brothers.
It is unclear if the anniversary years (50, 60, 70) were attached to this decoration. This decoration became obsolete in 1918.
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