History

The Reserve Long Service Decoration was founded on April 18, 1879 by King Karl of Württemberg. The decoration was established in two grades, I Class Cross and II Class Bar. The I Class Cross was conferred upon officers and military doctors who voluntarily served in the military reserve force for at least 20 years.

The Type II awards were unofficially introduced under King Wilhelm II in 1891. The appearance of the I Class Cross was slightly changed to feature a "W" for King Wilhelm II.