Der Rittmeister Militaria, LLC, Imperial German Merchandise, Page 5: Orders, Decorations, & Medals Nr 1: From the Kingdoms of Prussia, Bavaria, Württemberg, and Saxony. Also from the Central Powers: Austria, Hungary, Turkey, and Bulgaria. Updated on 2 September 2010.
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Bavaria

 

05-1482 MILITARY SERVICE CROSS 2^nd CLASS - CROWN AND SWORDS - BAVARIA. The Military Service Cross (MSC) was created in 1866 during König Ludwig II of Bavaria’s reign. It was created in three classes and awarded without swords during peacetime. In wartime, it was awarded with swords and, for a higher award, with a crown. The award was intended for enlisted men and NCO’s. Created at the same time as the MSC was the Military Merit Order (MMO), which was for officers. Today we are offering a Military Service Cross with Crown AND Swords. The 1st Class award sported an enamel center. The 3^rd Class award had no enamel, just a gilt exterior. The 2^nd Class sports a silver exterior and an enamel center on its obverse. The obverse bears König Ludwig II’s royal cypher. The reverse, which does NOT have enamel, displays a silver, rampant Bavarian Lion and "1866" (the year when the award was instituted). The cross measures 1 3/4" x 1 1/2." Attached to the cross’s top is a pair of crossed swords. Above them is a massive, articulated, silver crown. With the additional height of the crown and swords, the decoration measures 2 1/2" x 1 1/2." Its overall condition is MINT. The decoration is housed in a blue leatherette presentation case, which measures 3 1/2" x 2 1/4" x 3/4." The decoration’s name and the fact that it was awarded with the crown is embossed in silver on the outer lid. Inside the case is a handsome blue silk liner on which the manufacturer’s name, Deschler & Söhne - München, appears. A band is attached at the top. Behind it is the original black, blue, and white ribbon. It measures 7" x 1 1/4." The case’s bottom half is lined in dark-blue velvet. It is cut out to perfectly accommodate the decoration with its crown. This is a marvelous presentation of a fine WW I decoration. $725.00

 

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05-1483 MILITARY SERVICE CROSS 2^nd CLASS WITH SWORDS - BAVARIA. The Military Service Cross (MSC) was created in 1866 during König Ludwig II of Bavaria’s reign. It was created in three classes and awarded without swords during peacetime. In wartime, it was awarded with swords and, for a higher award, with a crown. The award was intended for enlisted men and NCO’s. Created at the same time as the MSC was the Military Merit Order (MMO), which was for officers. Today we are offering a Military Service Cross with Crown AND Swords. The 1st Class award sported an enamel center. The 3^rd Class award had no enamel, just a gilt exterior. The 2^nd Class sports a silver exterior and an enamel center on its obverse. The obverse bears König Ludwig II’s royal cypher. The reverse, which does NOT have enamel, displays a silver, rampant Bavarian Lion and "1866" (the year when the award was instituted). The cross measures 1 3/4" x 1 1/2." Attached to the cross’s top is a pair of crossed swords. Its overall condition is MINT. The decoration is housed in a blue leatherette presentation case, which measures 3 1/2" x 2 1/2" x 3/4." The decoration’s name is embossed in silver on the outer lid. Inside the case is a handsome blue silk liner. The manufacturer’s name, Gebrüder Hemerle - München, is embossed in gold on the silk. A band is attached at the top. Behind it is the original black, blue, and white ribbon. It measures 6 1/4" x 1 1/4." The case’s bottom half is lined in dark-blue velvet. It is cut out to perfectly accommodate the decoration with its crown. This is a marvelous presentation of a fine WW I decoration. $495.00

 

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05-1472 MILITARY COMMEMORATIVE CROSS - 1813-1814 - BAVARIA. This is the Military Commemorative Cross for officers and enlisted men from the (then) young Kingdom of Bavaria for the years 1813 and 1814. Bavaria was Napoleon’s ally and vassal state during this war. The cross measures 1 1/4" x 1 1/4." It is bronze-toned. The obverse features the rampant Lion of Bavaria. The reverse displays the dates. In its center is Max-Josef’s (1756-1825) cypher. He became Bavaria’s first King(1806-1825). The decoration is somewhat crudely made. These orders are quite difficult-to-locate. It comes with a replacement ribbon. It also comes with a small piece of original ribbon. $250.00

 

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05-1473 MILITARY MERIT ORDER 4^th CLASS - ORIGINAL PRESENTATION CASE - BAVARIA. This is an infrequently seen Bavarian decoration, the Military Merit Order 4^th Class. The order was founded in 1866, during König Ludwig II’s reign. It was part of a larger series of decorations within the Military Merit Order (MMO). The MMO was an officer’s-only decoration. In the 4^th Class it was awarded without Swords, with Swords, and with Crown. [In the normal course of business I see a lot of MMO’s 4^th Class with Swords, since they were awarded in great numbers during WW I. During the same time, only limited numbers of the MMO with Swords and Crown were awarded]. This is a beautiful example of the MMO 4^th Class, which was awarded without benefit of the Swords and Crown. It probably was awarded to an officer prior to the beginning of WW I, most likely between 1905 to 1914. The cross measures 1 3/4" x 1 1/2." The arms’ blue enamel is gorgeous and without problems. The flames among the arms are silver. In the obverse’s center is Ludwig’s cypher in GOLD. The reverse’s center sports the rampant Lion of Bavaria, also in GOLD. The cross was produced by the high-quality firm of Weiss and Company. Its silver portions are .950 silver. Its ORIGINAL presentation case is light-blue with decoration’s name embossed in gold on the exterior. The case measures 3" x 2" x 3/4." The interior consists of a cream-colored silk upper liner and a cream-colored velvet base. A correct and original length of white and blue ribbon is attached to the decoration. It is a beautiful presentation of the seldom-seen decoration. $1,150.00

 

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05-1376 MILITARY MERIT ORDER 4th CLASS WITH SWORDS - BAVARIA. This is a Military Merit Order 4th Class with Swords from the Kingdom of Bavaria. It is an officers-only "Knight’s Cross" level award. It was first awarded in 1866 during the Austro-Prussian War. Ludwig II (Mad Ludwig) was then Bavaria’s King. The decoration was awarded in four different classes. It was also awarded with Swords and/or Crown. This depended upon whether the decoration was awarded during a time of conflict (Swords), or as a higher award of the decoration within the class (Crown). The 4th Class was often awarded to the Bavarian Army’s junior officers. It was also awarded to Bavaria’s allies. Thus, during WW I, it was awarded to men from other German states. Our example is a WW I wartime production piece. The obverse sports blue enameled arms. Its center displays gold, white, and black enamel. Mounted on the black enamel is König Ludwig II’s royal cypher. Mounted at the top, just below the jump ring, is a pair of fine, crossed swords. The six o’clock arm reveals an enamel chip on the obverse. The decoration’s reverse again displays white, gold, and black enamel in the center. A rampant Bavarian Lion appears on the black enamel, along with the inception date, 1866. A substantial enamel chip shows on the 9 o’clock arm. A much smaller one is on the 6 o’clock arm. $495.00TP

 

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05-1400 MILITARY MERIT CROSS 3^rd CLASS - SWORDS - ORIGINAL PRESENTATION CASE. This is a Military Merit Cross with Swords from Bavaria. The decoration was first instituted in 1866 during König Ludwig II’s reign. It was awarded to military personnel during peacetime and wartime. It was awarded in three classes: without swords, with swords, or with swords and a crown (as a higher award-level). This particular example features a burnished gilt finish. The cross measures 1 3/4" x 1 1/2." Attached to its top is a pair of crossed swords. The cross’s obverse sports Bavarian König Ludwig II’s cypher in its center. The cross’s reverse displays a rampant Bavarian Lion and 1866, the year the decoration was instituted. Accompanying the cross is its original presentation case, which measures 3 1/2" x 2 1/2" x 3/4." The case is covered in light blue leatherette. Its name and decoration class are embossed in silver on its outer lid. Inside the case’s upper lid is a white silk liner. Its Munich manufacturing firm’s name (Gebrüder Hemerle) is embossed on the white silk. A strap is present in the upper lid to hold the decoration, but no ribbon is at hand. The case’s lower half is velvet and fitted to hold the decoration in place. It is a fine decoration from a noted Bavarian manufacturer. $195.00

 

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05-1388 1813-1814 NAPOLEONIC WAR SERVICE CROSS - BAVARIA. This is Bavaria’s War Service Cross from the 1813/14 Napoleonic War. The cross’s obverse features a rampant Bavarian Lion in its center. The four arms display the words "König und Vater Land (Vaterland)." The reverse sports König Maximilian Josef’s cypher in the center. It is somewhat faded due to nearly two-hundred-years of wear. The reverse’s four arms read "Für Die Jahre 1813 und 1814." A replacement ribbon has been installed on the jump ring, which is not original to the medal. This is quite common with many medals from the Napoleonic Period, as ribbons often disintegrate after nearly two-hundred-years. $250.00

 

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Prussia

05-1208 RED EAGLE ORDER 2^nd CLASS - ORIGINAL PRESENTATION CASE - PRUSSIA. This is a very high caliber Red Eagle Order 2^nd Class from the Kingdom of Prussia. The Red Eagle Order, the Orden Pour le Mérite, and the Black Eagle were the three oldest decorations to come from Prussia. They were older than the Crown Order, the Hohenzollern House Order, even the Iron Cross. The Red Eagle Order was offered in a variety of levels, including Breast Stars, the Grand Cross and 1^st through 4^th Class. Our offering today is a 2^nd Class Cross of the Red Eagle Order. The cross measures 2" x 2," excluding the ring at the top. This measurement is ONLY for the cross. The cross’s arms sport beautiful white enamel. [These enameled arms first appear on the 3^rd Class Cross, and show up on the 1^st and 2^nd as well. The arms of the 4^th Class are generally made of silver. Various crosses (depending on the class) are seen with Crowns, Swords, Oak Leaves, Diamonds, or Bows on the ribbon. They are also seen with a button displaying "50" attached, designating that the wearer was awarded the decoration fifty years previously]. A very small stress crack shows on the decoration’s right arm. Aside from the white-enameled arms, the heart and soul of any Red Eagle award is the beautifully hand-painted eagle itself, which graces the award’s center. Our example’s center is magnificent. On the decoration’s reverse is a cypher for Wilhelm, with a crown over it. All of this is beautifully chased, as is often seen on higher-caliber PLM’’s. Also, the center’s white enamel reveals a small chip. It is not detractive. This often happened to enameled decorations (including many PLM’s I have seen) during normal wear. The decoration swung from the wearer’s neck and hit a button, or some other harder surface, which caused this minor chipping. This does not prove very detractive to its overall appearance. Indeed, it rather confirms that the original owner wore his decoration proudly, and probably for many years! I have saved the best detail for last: the exposed metal surfaces are made of GOLD! This confirms it is a decoration of the highest degree. Absolutely the best materials were used in its manufacture. The decoration is stored in its original red leatherette presentation case, which measures 3 3/4" x 3." Inside, both the upper and lower lids are lined in black silk and velvet, respectively. A small tab raises the lower half of the case, and therein resides a small section of the original ribbon, measuring 4" x 2." The Red Eagle Order 2^nd Class was worn around the neck. It was awarded without swords, like this example, to both military officers (high-level officers during non war years) and to high-level civilians. Many generals in WW I were awarded this decoration. They wore them with great pride around their necks until they were awarded either Grand Crosses or Commanders Crosses of the Hohenzollern House Order, or the Ordens Pour le Mérite. This is a top drawer example of the decoration. It is especially desirable, as it is not only made of GOLD, but comes in the very scarce original presentation case. $3,495.00 

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05-1477 ORDER - RED EAGLE 4^th CLASS - 3^rd MODEL - PRUSSIA. The Red Eagle Order was the oldest of the Prussian decorations that were awarded in peacetime and wartime alike. It predates both the Crown Order and the Hohenzollern House Order. It was awarded to both civilians and military officers in a wide variety of classes, including neck orders, breast stars, and so on. Our offering today is the 3^rd Model of the 4^th Class. The 3^rd Model was awarded from 1846 through 1854. This particular example is an early version, which was awarded during the years 1848 to 1849. Several characteristics mark it as an early Red Eagle. The first are its smooth arms. Later Red Eagles displayed a pebbled arm-surface. An even more apparent difference shows up in the eagles. Our decoration’s enamel center boasts a hand-painted, gold, red, black, and green eagle. An earlier decoration’s eagle is smaller, particularly when comparing the wings. The green wreath held in the eagle’s talons is also far smaller. The cross, which measures 1 1/2" x 1 1/2," is made of silver. The decoration’s reverse displays König Friedrich Wilhelm’s crowned royal cypher. Its ribbon is a replacement. The decoration’s condition is exceptional, overall. We rarely have the opportunity to share such an early Red Eagle with you. This one is a beauty. $1,095.00

 

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05-1442 RED EAGLE ORDER 4^th CLASS - ORIGINAL PRESENTATION CASE. This is the Red Eagle Order 4^th Class. The decoration sports a hand painted enamel center. The six o’clock arm’s edge features a "W" for Wagner & Sohn. The decoration and enamel are both top-quality. The decoration is housed in a red leatherette c1ase that measures 2 3/4" x 2" x 3/4." The case’s inside is lined in silk and velvet. Cased Red Eagles are becoming progressively harder-to-find. No ribbon appears in the case. $795.00

 

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05-1410 RED EAGLE ORDER 4th CLASS WITH CROWN. This is a very fine example of the Red Eagle Order 4th Class with Crown. The Red Eagle Order was one of three Prussian decoration families. These families include the Red Eagle Order (Roter Adler Orden/RAO), the Crown Order, and the Hohenzollern Order. The decorations within each Order consisted of a Collar, Breast Stars, a Großkreuz, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Classes, as well as the Medal of the Order. The RAO was instituted in 1792. It was the oldest of the three Prussian Order families. Many models were issued during the RAO’s lifetime. Our offering today is a Red Eagle Order 4th Class, which was the order’s final model, instituted in 1892. By itself, the medal measures 1 1/2” x 1 1/2.” The articulated crown measures 3/4” x 3/4.” The medal has pebbled arms. The silver crown boasts a red enameled interior. The decoration’s center features a hand painted Red Eagle. The decoration’s reverse displays König Friedrich Wilhelm III’s crowned royal cypher “FW.” The decoration is not hallmarked. A beautiful, watermarked silk ribbon, measuring 2,” accompanies it. The decoration is in excellent condition. $1,095.00

 

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05-987 CROWN ORDER 4th CLASS IN THE ORIGINAL PRESENTATION CASE - PRUSSIA. The Crown Order series of decorations from Prussia is one of the more interesting of Prussian decorations. This series was authorized by King Wilhelm I of Prussia in 1861. This is the 4^th Class version of the Crown Order. It is the only level of the decoration that has an enamel center and gilt-toned arms. All other levels of this decoration come with enameled arms. The decoration, which is housed in its original presentation case, is in excellent condition. The case has the royal cypher of King Wilhelm I, as the decoration was awarded during the reign of Wilhelm I. $675.00

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05-1204 CROWN ORDER 4^th CLASS WITH 50 YEAR BUTTON - PRUSSIA. Prussia’s Crown Order was instituted during the reign of König (later Kaiser) Wilhelm I. It came in a variety of levels from 1^st to 4^th Class and Breast Stars. Within the various classes, the decorations were awarded with Oak Leaves, Diamonds, and Swords. They were even awarded with 50 and 60-year "Jubilee" Buttons, commemorating the 50^th or 60^th anniversary of the decoration’s awarding. Today we offer a Crown Order 4^th Class with the 50-Year Jubilee Button. The obverse’s center features a Prussian Crown encircled by blue enamel trim. The cross’s reverse displays Wilhelm I’s Cypher, the date, and the year the order was created. The jubilee button is on the jump ring. The decoration is hallmarked for Wagner & Sohn in Berlin on the bottom arm. An original, cornflower-blue ribbon is attached. It is in excellent condition. $525.00 

 

 

05-1414 MINIATURE - GOLDEN MILITARY MERIT CROSS - PRUSSIA. The Golden Military Cross (GMMC) was the most important decoration for bravery an enlisted man/NCO could receive from Prussia. The Orden Pour le Mérite was the leading decoration for bravery presented to officers. The GMMC was often referred to as “The Enlisted Man’s Blue Max.” Today we offer a miniature of this historic decoration. It measures 1/2” x 1/2.” It is mounted on a black and white war ribbon that measures 1” x 1/2.” It is in very fine condition. $450.00

 

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05-1413 XRP PRESENTATION CASE - GOLDEN MILITARY MERIT CROSS. This is a consignment piece. It is a presentation case for the Golden Military Merit Cross (GMMC). The case measures 2” x 2 3/4” x 3/4.” The decoration was the highest that could be awarded to a Prussian and/or German soldier. It is often referred to as the “Enlisted Man’s Blue Max.” The case is black leatherette. Inside, the upper lid is lined in white silk. The bottom half is covered in purple velvet fitted for the decoration. Relatively few of these very rare decorations still exist. Cases for the decoration are SELDOM seen. The case shows normal wear and scuffing on the exterior. The snap closure works just fine. $625.00

 

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05-1018 GENERAL HONOR DECORATION WITH 50 YEAR JUBILEE BUTTON - PRUSSIA. This decoration is the General Honor Decoration with 50 Year Jubilee Button from Prussia. It was awarded about 1900, and commemorates fifty years of service to Prussia. It is very rare. You will not see another quite like this for years. The obverse of the decoration proclaims "Service to the State." The cross is silver with a gilt center. On the reverse we see the cypher of Wilhelm and the date, "1900." This decoration, which is made of silver, was produced by the royal house jeweler Wagner & Sohn. It is maker-marked on the bottom arm. The correct orange and white ribbon accompanies the decoration. For you Prussian-decoration-collectors, this is a must. Without the 50 Year Jubilee Button, this is not an overly valuable or expensive decoration. The fact that it has it and was produced by Wagner elevates its value considerably. It is in that rare category with decorations seen so seldom that values are not published in the value guide! These just don’t come around very often. Although I sell decorations that are far more expensive, this one is a real "sleeper." $650.00. .

 

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05-1279 COLONIAL DENKMÜNZE MEDAL. This is the Colonial Denkmünze Medal or Service medal from 1912. This was awarded to those who had served overseas in Germany’s colonies. The obverse features a profile view of Kaiser Wilhelm II, along with his royal cypher. The reverse of the medal is bronze-toned and measures 11/4" in diameter. It boasts a Hohenzollern Crown and the legend "Den Tapferen Streitern Für Deutchlands Ehre." The medal is in very fine condition. It comes complete with the correct red, black, and white ribbon. $250.00  

 

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_{05-1488 LONG SERVICE CROSS - TWENTY-FIVE YEARS - OFFICER - PRUSSIA. This is an officer’s twenty-five year decoration for long service. It was the highest award given to an officer for long service. The cross is gilt and measures 1 1/2" x 1 1/2." It is attached to a blue ribbon which that is parade-wrapped. It is a fine example of a not frequently-seen decoration.} $195.00

 

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05-1463 ENLISTED MAN/NCO LONG SERVICE AWARD- FIFTEEN YEARS - WÜRTTEMBERG. This is an enlisted man/NCO Long Service Award for fifteen years’ duty. It was awarded to men in the Württemberg Army. The cross measures 1 1/2" x 1 1/2." The obverse displays a crown, while the reverse features "XV." A short 1 1/2" length of blue ribbon is attached. $125.00

 

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05-1384 KAISER WILHELM I CENTENNIAL MEDAL. In 1897 Kaiser Wilhelm II authorized a centennial medal to commemorate his grandfather, Kaiser Wilhelm I’s 1797 birth. The decoration is gilt-toned. This example has a burnished finish. Spots appear at the bottom on the obverse and reverse where the gilt-finish has worn off. $15.00

 

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05-1492 KAISER WILHELM I CENTENNIAL MEDAL. In 1897, Kaiser Wilhelm II authorized a centennial medal for his grandfather, Kaiser Wilhelm I (1797-1888). It is gilt-toned, with a likeness of Germany’s first Kaiser on the obverse. The reverse has more information about Wilhelm I. This example has a distinct flaw. The jump ring has been removed from the top, and it has a notch cut out of it. I do not know why it was done. $10.00

 

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05-1391 RED CROSS MEDAL 3rd CLASS - ORIGINAL PRESENTATION CASE. This is the Red Cross Medal 3rd Class. It was awarded to workers who assisted in Red Cross activities. The medal is gilt-toned and measures 1 1/4" in diameter. The obverse features a cross. The top of each arm is crowned. Among the arms are the letters "W," "R," "V," and "A." The reverse has the words "Für Verdienste um das Rothe Kreuz," along with a branch of leaves. Attached to the medal is a ribbon featuring a wide red band, trimmed with two smaller red, black, and white bands. The ribbon is 3 1/4" long. It is attached to the jump ring. The presentation case is red leatherette, measuring 2 1/2" x 2" x 3/4." Some minor scuffing shows on the upper lid. Inside, we see a white silk upper liner, and a black velvet lower half where the decoration is housed. The entire presentation is in very fine condition. $250.00

 

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05-1439 RED CROSS MEDAL 3^rd CLASS - ORIGINAL PERSONATION CASE. This is the Red Cross Medal 3^rd Class. It was awarded to those workers who assisted in Red Cross activities. The medal is gilt-toned and measures 1 1/4" in diameter. The obverse features a cross. Each arm’s top is crowned. Among the arms are the letters W, R, V, and A. On the reverse we see "Fuer Verdienste um das Rothe Kreus," along with a branch of leaves. Attached to the medal is a ribbon with a wide, red band, trimmed with two smaller red, black, and white bands. The ribbon is 1 3/4" long. It is attached to the jump ring. The case is red leatherette and measures 2 3/4" x 2 1/4" x 3/4." A name has been penned to the case’s upper lid, most likely the recipient from many decades ago. The name appears to be Cienna(e). Inside, we see a white, silk, upper liner and a black velvet lower half where the decoration is housed. The entire presentation is in very fine condition. $250.00

 

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05-1016 MERIT CROSS FOR WAR TIME AID. This decoration from Prussia was awarded beginning in 1915 to civilians who assisted in the war. This example is in very good condition with a clean, original ribbon. $50.00 . .

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05-1111 MERIT CROSS FOR WAR TIME SERVICE - PRUSSIA. This is the Prussian Merit Cross for War time Service. The obverse has the cypher of "Wilhelm Rex." The reverse has "Fur Kriegs Hilfdienst." It comes complete with original ribbon. $55.00. . .

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Saxony

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05-1074 TREUE IN DER ARBEIT SILVER MEDAL KÖNIG ALBERT IN THE ORIGINAL PRESENTATION CASE - SAXONY. This is a civil medal for "Treue in Der Arbeit," (Loyalty in Work/Service). It is a silver medal that was issued during the reign of König Albert of Saxony between 1894 to 1902. This decoration, which is made of silver, is about the size of a U.S. quarter. It has a high-relief profile of the king who was the next-to-last king of the Saxons. The black leatherette presentation case carries the stamp on the bottom of G. A. Scharffenberg, the primary house jeweler to the Saxon royal family. The upper lid of the case is white silk. The lowercase has an elevated and angled base for the medal, which is made of gathered red silk. The entire presentation is in excellent condition and really adds to the enjoyment of this decoration. $195.00

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05-955 HONOR CROSS IN ORIGINAL PRESENTATION CASE - SAXONY. The Honor Cross from the Kingdom of Saxony was considered a civil decoration. It was issued by the Kingdom of Saxony from 1876-1918. What I find most interesting about this decoration is that it was awarded with swords, with crown, with crown and swords, and with no crown or swords. This particular example was awarded without crown or swords. It is a gilt-toned cross. The obverse bears the a royal cypher. The reverse bears the coat of arms of Saxony. The decoration is mounted on an original ribbon that has four green stripes and three white stripes. It comes in its original red leatherette presentation case with the initial of the decoration (E.K. for Ehrenkruez)) embossed on the outer lid. Inside the case, a white silk liner with the name of the house jeweler of Saxony: G. A. Scharffenberg from Dresden is embossed in black. The lower lid is a black velvet, which is cut out for the shape of the cross. The case shows some wear and scuffing. However, the decoration remains quite handsome. $195.00

 

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05-1407 WAR MERIT CROSS - 1866 AUSTRO-PRUSSIAN WAR. The 1866 Austro-Prussian War was the last of Germany’s consolidation wars. At the conclusion of the brief war, the final political divisions were achieved. [They ultimately led to König Wilhelm I of Prussia becoming Germany’s Kaiser in 1871 at the Franco-Prussian War’s conclusion]. The Austro-Prussian War saw Prussia pitted against Austria and several of her allies, including Saxony, Württemberg, and Bavaria. Prussia’s modern army, superior supply and transport system, and supremely able commanders, however, made short work of their opposition. This medal was awarded by the kingdom of Saxony to her soldiers who fought in the conflict. The decoration, which measures 1 1/8" x 1 1/8," bears King Johann of Saxony’s crowned royal cypher. The reverse displays "1866." A short piece of the correct blue and yellow ribbon is attached to the medal. $115.00

 

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05-1368 1866 WAR MERIT CROSS - SAXONY. This is the War Merit Cross for the 1866 Austro-Prussian War from the Kingdom of Saxony. This relatively short war found Prussia and some of Germany’s smaller grand duchies pitted against Austria, Hannover, Bavaria, Württemberg, and Saxony. Prussia dispatched her enemies in short order. Hannover was the biggest loser, as all of her territory was annexed by Prussia. This war ended the reunification wars and installed Prussia in a dominant position. Under Prussian leadership Germany next quickly dispatched France in the 1870/71 Franco-Prussian War. Germany was then recognized as a European and world power. This medal was awarded by the Kingdom of Saxony. The obverse features König Johann’s royal cypher. Johann was born in 1801. He ascended to the throne in 1854 and remained King until his death in 1873. The medal’s reverse shows the date, 1866. It comes on a replacement blue and yellow ribbon. $115.00

 

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05-1244 3^rd CLASS LONG-SERVICE AWARD - NINE YEARS - SAXONY. This is the 3^rd Class Long-Service Award for Nine Years of Service. This example is for enlisted men and NCO’s in the Saxon Army from 1874 to 1913. The decoration is circular and gilt in color. It is in very fine condition, with a green and white ribbon. $105.00

 

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05-1245 3^rd CLASS LONG SERVICE AWARD - NINE YEARS - SAXONY. This is the 3^rd Class Long Service Award for Nine Years of Service. This example is for enlisted men and NCO’s in the Saxon Army from 1913 to 1918. The decoration is circular and silver in color. It is in very fine condition, with a green and white ribbon. $85.00

 

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05-1348 SILVER MEDAL FÜR TREUE IN DER ARBEIT - SAXONY. This is the Silver Medal Für Treue in der Arbeit from the Kingdom of Saxony. It measures 1" in diameter. The decoration’s obverse depicts König Friedrich August III of Saxony. The decoration’s reverse shows "Für Treue in der Arbeit" within a wreath of laurel leaves. It comes complete with a short length of green ribbon. $110.00

 

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05-1423 FRIEDRICH AUGUST MEDAL - BRONZE - SAXONY. This is a fine example of the Friedrich August Medal in Bronze from the Kingdom of Saxony. The medal was awarded from 1905 through 1918. The medal measures 1" in diameter. The medal’s obverse features the decoration’s name. Its reverse has Friedrich August III’s royal cypher. He was Saxony’s final king. No ribbon comes with this decoration.  $55.00

 

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01-376 LANDWEHR LONG SERVICE AWARD 2^nd CLASS WITH MINIATURE - SAXONY. This is the Landwehr Long Service Award 2^nd Class from Saxony. The Landwehr was the reserve service (similar to the National Guard in the U.S. Army) for those men who had completed their mandatory active duty service. Once a man completed active duty, he was then assigned to the Landwehr. This delightful little set features the actual full size award and a miniature. This is the first time I have ever seen the miniature. $115.00. .

 

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Württemberg

05-1420 FRIEDRICH ORDEN KNIGHT’S CROSS 2^nd CLASS - ORIGINAL PRESENTATION CASE - WÜRTTEMBERG. This is a fine example of the Friedrich Orden Knight’s Cross 2^nd Class from the Kingdom of Württemberg. PLEASE NOTE: This example is without swords, which is more difficult-to-find than the wartime, issued version. The cross measures 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" x 1/4." The cross’s arms are silver. Friedrich’s crowned cypher, which is mounted on white enamel appears on both the obverse and reverse. It should be noted that the crowned cypher AND the trim ring are made of GOLD. The decoration is in excellent condition. It is housed in a blue leatherette case with gold trim, which measures 4" x 2 1/2." Inside the case, the red silk liner features an embossed Württemberg Coat-of-Arms. The case’s lower half is fitted and lined in burgundy velvet to house the decoration. A tab is present to raise up the platform. Underneath it is the original blue ribbon, along with a note indicating that the decoration may have been awarded in September 1914. This is in excellent condition, overall. $1,250.00

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05-933 KÖNIG KARL JUBILEE MEDAL WITH CLASP - WÜRTTEMBERG. This is a quarter-sized jubilee decoration for Köning Karl of Württemberg. The decoration is silver-toned. It has a fine, high relief of Köning Karl. He ruled the kingdom of Württemberg from 1865-1892. It sports a clasp on its red and black ribbon. There is a safety pin-like device on the reverse to secure this decoration to a garment. It is in very fine condition. $125.00

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05-1332 KÖNIG WILHELM II - SILVER SERVICE MEDAL. This is a late-war example of the Silver Service Medal from the Kingdom of Württemberg. It comes complete with ribbon. $75.00  

 

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German Campaign Medals - Misc.

05-1481 WAR COMMEMORATIVE MEDAL - 1813-1814. During the Napoleonic Wars, the Prussians began a tradition of awarding medals to their men and allies for participating in the war. These medals were produced for a variety of years. One characteristic was shared by ALL the years. Each AWARDED decoration’s edge bore an inscription that the medal was produced from captured French cannons. These brass cannons had been melted down to produce the medals. This example is for the year 1813-1814. It measures 1 1/8" in diameter. The medal’s obverse refers to Prussia’s König Friedrich Wilhelm III (also the originator of the 1813 Iron Cross). The medal’s reverse bears the date "1813-1814." It is one of the more difficult of the Napoleonic War commemorative medals to obtain. The previously-mentioned engraving appears on its edge, as is correct for a period issued piece. The yellow/gold, white, and black ribbon is a replacement. $275.00

 

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05-1489 FIFTY-YEAR COMMEMORATIVE MEDAL - NAPOLEONIC WARS - 1813-1863. In 1863, Prussia’s König (later Kaiser) Wilhelm I authorized the issue of a 50-Year commemorative decoration for Prussian soldiers who had fought in the Napoleonic Wars, which ended in 1815. The obverse sports a likeness of Germany’s Napoleonic-era König Friedrich Wilhelm III. Below his image is a bandeau displaying the years 1813, 1814, and 1815. The reverse features Wilhelm I’s royal cypher and the date 17 March 1863. It is a rarely-seen decoration. $125.00

 

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05-1471 TWO MEDALS - VETERAN - 1866 AUSTRO-PRUSSIAN WAR - LIPPE-DETMOLD. The 1866 Austro-Prussian War was Germany’s final unification war. Starting in the 1840's, these wars ultimately resulted in Prussia’s emergence as Germany’s leading state. While other states were allowed local rule, allegiance to Prussia was made absolute. After a unified Germany (under the Prussian field command’s direction) went to war with France in 1870, the outcome was swift and costly for the French. When those hostilities were concluded, Wilhelm I was elevated to Emperor of all Germany. Following the 1870-1871 War, Germany helmed Europe’s most-powerful Army, while England commanded its most powerful Navy. [The latter fact troubled Wilhelm II when he assumed Germany’s throne in 1888. He decreed a huge increase in the Kaiserliche Marine, which England then matched and surpassed. That, however, is another story]. The 1866 Austro-Prussian War was swift and fierce. Prussia and her German allies overwhelmed Austria and her German allies (Württemberg, Bavaria, Saxony, Hannover, Braunschweig, and Nassau.) A series of medals was awarded to its participants at the war’s conclusion. Prussia issued three medals for the conflict. They included the "Treuen Kriegern 1866," "Der Main Armee 1866," and "Königgratz 1866-1867." Today, we are offering "Der Main Armee 1866," as a part of our mini grouping. The decoration’s obverse depicts a Prussian Eagle perching on a cannon barrel. The reverse features König Wilhelm I’s cypher. The decoration comes on an original piece of ribbon, which measures 2 1/4" x 1 1/4" and shows honest age. The mini grouping’s real prize is the Principality of Lippe-Detmold’s Erinnerungsmedaille an den Feldzug (Honor Medal of the 1866 Campaign). This small state was a Prussian ally in the 1866 War. She fielded only a small military that typically consisted of a battalion or two. Thus, Lippe-Detmold’s number of participants in the conflict was relatively small. The medal is bronze, and measures 1" in diameter. Its obverse features the Prince of Lippe-Detmold’s crowned cypher. Its reverse displays "1866." Its original yellow, red, and white ribbon measures 3 1/4" x 1 1/4." Decorations from Lippe-Detmold are never easy-to-find, especially such an early one. Lippe-Detmold was a very small state. In 1900, the population of the entire Principality numbered around 138,000 people only. One can easily see that they were never able to contribute much militarily. Confirming this fact (and revealing the decoration’s status as a true collector’s item), only about NINE HUNDRED EIGHT-EIGHT Erinnerungsmedaillen an den Feldzug were awarded. It may not look special, but it is VERY uncommon. This is a delightful mini grouping with a lot of personality. $595.00

 

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05-1474 SOUTHWEST AFRICA NON COMBATANTS MEDAL. This is the Southwest Africa Non Combatants Medal. The medal was given to both combatants and non combatants during 1904 through 1906. The decoration measures 1 1/4" in diameter. The example is in mint condition, with a fine original ribbon. This example is as fine as you will ever find. It is almost impossible to upgrade. $275.00

 

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05-1475 1866 COMMEMORATIVE CROSS - LOYAL SOLDIERS. This is one of three decorations awarded to Prussian soldiers during the 1866 Austro-Prussian War. It is known as the Treuen Kriegern Kreuz. The obverse features the Hohenzollern Eagle. The reverse has König (later Kaiser) Wilhelm I’s royal cypher. It comes with the correct ribbon. The cross is in amazing condition for being 140+ years old. $150.00

 

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05-1462 NON COMBATANT’S HOHENZOLLERN MEDAL - 1848/1849 - PRUSSIA. This is the Hohenzollern Medal for Non Combatants from 1848 through 1849. The decoration was awarded in 1851-1852 for Prussian Army service during the early German consolidation wars. The decoration is gilt and measures 1 1/8" in diameter. Its front features a cross with a Hohenzollern Eagle. The reverse displays the dates 1848 and 1849, along with mention of König Friedrich Wilhelm IV. [He was the eldest son of Friedrich Wilhelm III. Friedrich Wilhelm III led Prussia against Napoleon during the Napoleonic Wars. His younger son, Friedrich Wilhelm IV’s brother, became Wilhelm I. Wilhelm I succeeded Friedrich Wilhelm IV as King of Prussia and Germany’s first Kaiser]. Attached to the decoration is a replacement non combatants’ ribbon. Its dominant color is white, with three narrow black bands. $295.00

05-1046 ALSEN CROSS 1864 FOR NON COMBATANTS. This is the Alsen Cross for Non Combatants from the 1864 War. This is set up as a one-place medal bar. It uses a replacement ribbon. $95.00.

 

 

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05-1102 MINIATURE OF THE COMBATANT'S CAMPAIGN MEDAL FROM THE 1864 WAR. This is a miniature of the combatant’s campaign medal for the 1864 War. This was a further consolidation of Germany as Prussia strengthened her position. No ribbon or jump ring is included with this. The detail is quite striking. $55.00. .

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05-1137 WAR SERVICE MEDAL FOR A NON COMBATANT, FRANCO PRUSSIAN-WAR. This is a splendidly conditioned example of the Non Combatant’s Medal for the Franco-Prussian War. This decoration has a very fine steel surface. It is silver-toned, as opposed to the bronze-toned Combatant’s version. This decoration has been setup as a one-place medal bar. It uses a replacement ribbon. This is in very fine condition. $65.00 . . .

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05-1056 1870-1871 FRANCO-PRUSSIAN WAR NON COMBATANTS DECORATION. This variation was awarded to Non Combatants of the 1870-71 Franco-Prussian war. While the combatant’s version was bronze, the non combatant’s was made of steel and silver-toned. This example is a one-place medal bar, which has a replacement ribbon. $60.00 . .

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05-1364 MINIATURE - 1870 COMBATANTS MEDAL. This is a very well made 1870 Combatants Medal miniature. Like its larger counterpart, it has a bronze finish. The detail is amazing. The decoration measures 2/3" in diameter. No ribbon accompanies it. It may have been worn on a tie bar. $50.00

 

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05-1300 1870-1871 FRANCO-PRUSSIAN WAR - COMBATANT’S MEDAL. This is a second generation example of the 1870-1871 Franco-Prussian War Combatant’s medal. That is, it is not an awarded piece, but a replacement or additional example that a veteran might have bought. It may even have been on a medal bar at one point. It is currently on a very short piece of ribbon. The decoration is bronze-toned and in very fine condition. $40.00  

 

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22-64 COLONIAL "ELEPHANT" BADGE. In postwar Germany, two different types of badges were awarded to those men who had spent time in Germany’s overseas colonies. First was the "Lion Badge," which was awarded in two classes. The second was the "Elephant Badge," which we are offering today. This is a particularly striking example. It comes from the estate of a longtime German collector who kept the badge in his collection for more than forty years. The badge exhibits a superb patina. The badge measures 2 ½" x 2 ½." Its central theme is an elephant with his trunk and tusks raised up. Below the elephant is an arrangement of oak Leaves. Around the badge’s interior Germany’s overseas colonies are mentioned. From left to right they are: Sudsee, Afrika, and Kiautschou. The reverse reveals a sturdy pin and the Ges. Geschütz number 33992. The badge comes in a modern-day presentation box, which is NOT original to the badge. It is German, however, and displays well. It is as fine an example of this badge as I have ever acquired. You will really like this one. $450.00

 

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13-792 MEMORIAL MEDAL - S. M. S. MOLTKE. This is a memorial medal that was issued to honor the S. M. S. Moltke. I am not sure when the medal was issued, but an interesting story about it exists. The decoration is bronze-toned and measures 1 1/4" in diameter. The obverse displays a profile image of Helmuth Karl Bernhard Graf von Moltke, the Prussian Army’s Chief of the General Staff. (After the Empire was created in 1871, he became the Chief of Staff for all of Germany’s armies). Von Moltke became a military legend in Germany. Under his control the Prussian Army was modernized with better training, better tactics, superior weapons, and a rail transportation system that moved troops quickly to where they were needed. His generals in the field were the best in Europe. During the 1866 Austro-Prussian War and the 1870-1871 Franco-Prussian War, his troops made short work of the enemy and the wars ended with all his objectives achieved. Ultimately, he became known after his death as "von Moltke the elder," while his nephew, who became Chief of the General Staff early in WW I, was known as "Moltke the younger." To illustrate the extent of the German public’s admiration for him, postcards (from before and after his death, and particularly during WW I) showed von Moltke, von Bismarck, and Kaiser Wilhelm I as the team that led had Germany to greatness. I acquired a small horde of these commemorative medals from a collector in Hamburg. They were originally manufactured by the Hamburg firm of M. Fleck & Söhne. Each medal comes inside the original packet in which it was purchased. (I have little information about M. Fleck & Söhne, other than it was a military effects store serving the needs of military personnel from 1882). The paper packets measure 5 1/4" x 2 3/4." While all the medals come in the packet as described, some come with a ribbon and some do not. We are offering a small number of these very special decorations. The medals are priced at $150.00 WITH the packet and a ribbon. We are offering them for $125.00 in the packet and WITHOUT a ribbon. [If you would like more than one of these handsome decorations, we can offer even better pricing].

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05-1453 CASED MEDAL - CREDIT UNIONS. This cased medal honors Friedrich Wilhelm Raiffeisen, who founded Germany’s first rural credit union in 1864. Born in 1818, Raiffeisen was the mayor of several towns. He served in Weyerbusch/Westerwald from 1845 to 1848, in Flammersfeld/Westerwald from 1848 to 1852, and Heddesdorf from 1852 until late 1865. He had to retire from public office in 1867 due to ill health. He died in 1888. As a young mayor in Flammersfeld, Raiffeisen observed local farmers suffering from the predation of loan sharks. He founded the first cooperative lending bank in 1864, which was, essentially, a rural credit union. A number of banks in existence today are named after him. They operate in Germany Austria, Switzerland, Romania, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.
The brass-toned, circular medal features Raiffeisen’s high-relief portrait on its obverse. The reverse features the words "Für Treue Arbeit" (For Faithful Participation/Assistance), surrounded by an oak leaf wreath. The wreath is further encircled by twinkling stars. The medal has an attachment by which one could insert it for display in a suit’s buttonhole. The medal comes with a black leatherette presentation case. The case has the standard white silk upper lid, and a blue velvet base with a cutout area to accommodate the medal. It is an interesting historical item. $175.00

 

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Central Powers
Post World War I Germany

 

05-1228 BULGARIAN WAR SERVICE MEDAL. This is the Bulgarian War Service Medal. It is similar in purpose to the Hindenburg Cross. Both medals acknowledge military service during the Great War. The obverse features the Bulgarian Coat-of-Arms, while the reverse sports the dates 1915 to 1918. The triangular-shaped ribbon is red, green, and white. $45.00 

 

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05-1134 BULGARIAN WAR SERVICE DECORATION. Bulgaria was a member of the Central powers allied to Germany and Austria-Hungary during WW I. After WW I ended, Bulgaria produced a war service decoration as had the other former Central Powers. This piece was awarded to both her own soldiers and her former allies. It is gilt-toned and circular in shape. A red, green, and white trifold ribbon is included. The decoration is in very fine condition.
$45.00. . .

 

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05-1276 SILESIAN EAGLE 1^st CLASS - TWO-PIECE SCREWBACK. The Silesian Eagle was awarded in the 1^st and 2^nd Class during the post WW I Freikorps Period. The decoration consists of a beautiful eagle in silver and black enamel, and measures 1 3/4" x 1 1/4." The backing plate on the reverse is an eye-catching rayback design. It is similar to the design that one sees on many C. E. Juncker Pilots’ Badges. No hallmarking appears on the decoration’s reverse. A Silesian Eagle 1^st Class is not a common decoration. This is the first two-piece screwback that I have ever seen. It is a totally custom piece, NOT an award piece. It probably once belonged to an officer. It was quite common during WW I for a man to acquire a custom 1914 Iron Cross 1^st Class to replace his issued piece, so one could do the same for an EK equivalent. This is very rare. $450.00  

 

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05-1007 SILESIAN EAGLE 1^st CLASS. The Silesian Eagle was a Freikorps-era decoration that replaced the Iron Cross, effectively. The Silesian Eagle came in both a 1^st and 2^nd Class levels, just like the Iron Cross. This example of the 1^st Class is the more commonly seen pinback version. It is in very good condition. $225.00 .

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05-1377 HINDENBURG CROSS FOR NEXT OF KIN. The Hindenburg Cross was first authorized for award in 1934, after German President, Generalfeldmarschall Paul von Hindenburg’s death. The Hindenburg Cross came in three levels of award. This is the version that was awarded to the families of men who had died in Germany’s service. The cross is black. It comes with an original black, white, and red ribbon. $40.00

 

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05-1451 HINDENBURG CROSS - NON COMBATANTS. The Hindenburg Cross was awarded in three different classes. The first was for Combatants (with swords), and the second for Non Combatants (without swords). The last was a fallen soldier’s award given to his family (nicknamed "the Widow’s Cross). This is the Non Combatants’ example. It comes on a short piece of original ribbon. No swords go through the body’s center, although the decoration shares the same bronze-toned color. $20.00

 

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05-1464 HINDENBURG CROSS - COMBATANTS. After Reichspräsident Paul von Hindenburg’s death, Germany issued a medal bearing his name to honor WW I’s combatants, non combatants, and their next-of-kin. This is an example of the Combatant’s Cross. No jump ring or ribbon accompanies the example. $15.00

 

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05-1465 HINDENBURG CROSS - NON COMBATANTS. After Reichspräsident Paul von Hindenburg’s death, Germany issued a medal bearing his name to honor WW I’s combatants, non combatants, and their next-of-kin. This is an example of the Non Combatant’s Cross. It is hallmarked on the reverse. No ribbon accompanies the example. $15.00

 

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05-1354 HINDENBURG CROSS - NEXT OF KIN. This is the Hindenburg Cross for the Next of Kin. It was given to the families of fallen soldiers from the Great War. It was often referred to as the "Widows Cross." It is black, with NO swords through its center. It is hallmarked D. S. M. on the reverse. No ribbon is present. $40.00

 

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05-1408 HINDENBURG CROSS WITH SWORDS - COMBATANTS MOUNTED - BOW. The Hindenburg Cross was instituted in 1934, shortly after the death of Generalfeldmarschall Paul von Hindenburg. He also had served as Germany’s President, with Adolf Hitler as Chancellor. The award was made in three classes: Combatants, Non Combatants, and Next-of-Kin. This example is for Combatants, and so has swords crossed through its body. A bow rather than a straight ribbon is attached on the ring. This was most likely worn by the wife, mother, sister, or sweetheart of a combat veteran. It is an unusual variation. $25.00

 

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05-1343 HINDENBURG CROSS FOR NON COMBATANTS. The Hindenburg Cross, which was authorized after the death of President and Generalfeldmarschall Paul von Hindenburg, was awarded in three classes. First was a brass-toned award with swords through its center. This was for front-line combatants. The second class was similar, exception without swords. It was for Non Combatants. The final version was black, without swords. It was for the next-of-kin of those soldiers who had died for the Fatherland. Our example today is the Non Combatants award, without swords. It is in very fine condition, but lacks a ribbon. $25.00

 

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05-1201 HINDENBURG CROSS FOR NEXT-OF-KIN. When the Hindenburg Cross was created in 1934 after the death of President and Generalfeldmarschall Paul von Hindenburg, they decided to create three classes. First was for Combatants, which was a bronze-toned cross with swords. The next class was for Non Combatants. It looked similar to the Combatants Cross, except without swords. The final class was for the families of those soldiers who fell for the Fatherland. While officially it was known as the Cross for Next-of-Kin, it was unofficially called the "Widow’s Cross." This came in part because it had a black finish with swords. This example is in excellent condition. It has its jump ring, but no ribbon. $30.00 

05-985 KYFFHAUFER BUND MEDAL. This oval-shaped and gilt-toned medal was for a veteran’s group or association (Bund), in which veterans joined to enjoy the company of other veterans of the Great War. The obverse has a flag and the dates "1914-1918." The reverse of the medal has the name of the Bund along with a quote from von Hindenburg. This example comes complete with an original ribbon that is tied in a hint of a bow. This would indicate it was worn by a woman if it is indeed a bow and not just randomly tied. Also, the original safety pin with which this veteran affixed the decoration to a garment is present. $35.00

 

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05-1467 VETERANS’ ASSOCIATION HONOR CROSS - PRUSSIA. This is the Prussian Veterans’ Association Honor Cross 2^nd Class. It is a large, silver-plated cross with the initials "P. L. K. V." (Preußischer Landes Kriegern Verband/Prussian National Warriors Association) among its four arms. It measures 2" x 2." The obverse features a central circular medallion containing a depiction of the Kyffhäuser Denkmal (War Memorial). [The Kyffhäuser Denkmal was built in 1890-1896 atop Kyffhäuser Mountain in Thuringia, with donations from the 19th Century German War Veterans’ Federation]. The reverse’s central medallion has the words "Für Verdienst im Kriegervereins Wesen" (For Service in the War Veterans’ Association). The Preußischer Landes Kriegern Verband Cross was established after World War I, to recognize philanthropic, charitable and social service in the Preußischer Landes Kriegern Verband, an equivalent to the British and American Legion. It was usually worn with the monument facing forward. The manufacturer’s name, "HCH. TIMM BERLIN C, " is imprinted in small letters on the cross’s top loop. It is a handsome award. $75.00

 

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05-1449 WINTER BATTLE EAST MEDAL - 1941/1942. I came across this Third Reich Medal in a box of items I acquired. It is the Winter Battle in the East (Russia) 1941/1942 Medal. The medal measures 1 1/2" in diameter. It has a stahlhelm at the top. The obverse sports an eagle with a swastika in its claws. The medal’s reverse features the decoration’s name. Naturally, it is for the first winter of the Nazis’ battle against the Russians. A short length of black, red, and white ribbon is included. $40.00

 

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12-389 MATTED PAGE FROM ORDEN DER AUSSERDEUTSCHE STAATEN EUROPAS PLATE Nr 2. Prior to the beginning of WW I, a series of high quality pamphlets were printed in Germany displaying the orders and decorations of Imperial Germany and Europe. Many variations of these were produced, and I have offered several of them in the past. When I mentioned that these were high-quality, I failed to mention that they were in FULL COLOR. The example we are offering today describes in crystal clear detail many of the top awards from the various nations of Europe (some were allied to Germany in WW I and some were bitter enemies). It covers examples from Great Britain, France, Greece, Spain. etc. This has been matted and is ready for display or framing. The matte measures 17 3/8" x 13 ½," while the image within measures 11" x 8 5/8." $95.00. . .

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