Physical Description

A smooth George’s cross with a raised smooth edge, constructed of blackened iron. The obverse centre medallion features the Schleswig-Holstein coat of arms inside a raised medallion ring. The 9 o’clock arm features the date ‘1848’ and the 3 o’clock arm the date ‘1849’. The reverse is identical. On a loop for suspension, on a ribbon of equal parts blue, white, and red (from left to right).
Some crosses feature a miniature attached to the ribbon, which could be privately purchased. This is rare.
A cast variant exists that features the inscription ‘K. K. V. 1848 1851’ on the cross arms.

History

The Commemorative Cross for the Schleswig-Holstein Army, 1848-1849 was founded on July 2, 1850 by the provisional government of Schleswig-Holstein. The cross was conferred upon the military personnel who participated in the campaigns against Denmark between 1848 and 1849.

The crosses were manufactured out of iron that was taken from the cannons on the Battleship Christian VIII. The ship was destroyed on April 5, 1849, when it attempted to land in Eckernförde.