Commemorative War Cross, 1866, in Bronze
CATEGORY: Version
SKU: 02.SXK.0109.101.01.000
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The medal is a bronze cross pattée with bundles of rays between each arm. The obverse centre presents the crowned monogram JR for Johannus Rex surrounded by a wreath of oak leaves. The reverse centre presents the date 1866 bordered by a wreath of oak leaves.
The War Commemorative Cross for 1866 was instituted on May 22, 1867 by King Johann for all soldiers who had participated in the war with Prussia, regardless of whether or not they had seen action.
The Austro-Prussian War or Seven Weeks' War was fought by the Kingdom of Prussia against the Austrian Empire from June 14 to July 22, 1866. It was just a minor part of the ever growing tension between Prussia and Austria. Each side was supported by various allies within the German Confederation, with the Kingdom of Saxony allying itself with Austria. Saxony’s army was viewed as the only allied force to bring considerable aid to Austria. The Saxon army abandoned the defence of Saxony to aid the Austrian army in Bohemia. This allowed Saxony to escape the fate of other north German states allied with Austria, which became annexed by Prussia after the war. Prussia was victorious in the conflict and dissolved the German Confederation, excluded Austria from Germany, and formed the North German Confederation. As a result, Austria-Hungary was formed. The French and Austrians insisted Saxony be spared as a point of honour and the Prussians agreed. However, a year later Saxony joined the Prussian-led North German Confederation.
The medals for Combatants were worn on a ribbon with alternating yellow and blue stripes, with 4 yellow stripes and 3 blue stripes.
The medals for Non-Combatants were worn on a ribbon with alternating blue and yellow stripes, with 4 blue stripes and 3 yellow stripes.
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