Military Merit Cross, I Class Cross for 25 Years (for citizens)

CATEGORY: Version

SKU: 02.WLD.0103.101.01.000

Estimated market value:

$5,300 USD

  • Military Merit Cross, I Class Cross for 25 Years (for citizens) Obverse
  • Military Merit Cross, I Class Cross for 25 Years (for citizens) Reverse

Estimated market value:

$5,300 USD

Attributes

  • Country
    Germany
  • Composition
    Silver gilt/Enamelled
  • Inscription
    Obv: GV Rev: XXV.
  • Size
    38x38mm
  • Version Remarks
    Seven were awarded.
  • Image Licensing
    The image of the Military Merit Cross, I Class Cross for 25 Years (for citizens) is attributed to Andreas Thies, Catalog 34, December 18/19, 2007. Please see the following page for more information: https://www.andreas-thies.de/onTEAM/grafik/34Auktion_S97_224.pdf

Physical Description and Item Details


A George’s cross with Maltese cross style arms, constructed of silver gilt and enamel. The arms are enamelled in white with narrow golden edges. In between the tips of the 12 o’clock arm are an eyelet and loop with an oak leaf attached to the loop on the obverse. The obverse centre medallion is enamelled in red and features the crowned golden monogram ‘GV’. The medallion ring is doubled, smooth, and golden. The reverse features golden and pebbled cross arms and a golden and pebbled centre medallion with the Roman numeral ‘XXV’. On a loop for suspension, on a black ribbon with narrow inner red and broad yellow outer borders.

History


The Military Merit Cross was originally founded by Prince George Victor in 1854. The cross was awarded to officers who rendered 25 years of meritorious service in Waldeck’s army. Originally, separate awards were issued to officers from Waldeck and officers from foreign countries.

The obverse of the cross features the initials “GV” surmounted by a crown. The cross for Waldeck officers features the service years in Roman numerals on the reverse, the cross for foreign officers features a blank reverse.

This version of the Military Merit Cross was discontinued in 1861 following the signing of a military convention with Prussia. The cross was redesigned in 1861 by Prince George Victor, who added surmounting oak leaves to the suspension of the I Class Cross. In addition, he also expanded the Military Merit Cross to include a II Class Cross in 1861 and a III Class Cross in 1878.

The I Class Cross was awarded to officers.
The II Class Cross was awarded to non-commissioned officers and enlisted personnel from 1861 to 1878. After 1878, the II Class was only awarded to non-commissioned officers due to the creation of the III Class Cross, which was awarded to enlisted personnel.

On March 28, 1896, the prince decreed that the Military Merit Cross would be discontinued.

FOR SALE / WANTED

Item For Sale By

Be the first to sell this item

Wanted By

Be the first to request this item

Comments

Sign in to comment and reply.

Scroll Top