Physical Description

A pebbled George’s cross with a broad smooth edge, constructed of bronze. The obverse centre medallion is surrounded by a wreath of laurel on the left and oak leaves on the right. It features the crowned and intertwined monogram ‘AR’. The reverse is similar, except that the medallion features the dates ‘1863 1864’. On a loop for suspension, on a yellow ribbon with narrow light blue side stripes.

History

The Commemorative War Cross, 1863-1864 was instituted by King Albert, along with the Commemorative War Cross, 1849 and the Schleswig-Holstein Cross, 1849.

It was awarded for participation in the military action by the German Confederation against two of its members, the Duchy of Holstein and the Duchy of Lauenburg, December 21, 1863 to December 5, 1864.

The Kingdom of Saxony provided a total of four battalions of infantry, two battalions of hunters, one combined cavalry unit, an artillery brigade, and a pioneering department.

Much like the Commemorative War Cross, 1849, the award had to be sought out by the recipient. It was required that military papers would be provided, or a signed notice from the war ministry, should the recipient be residing outside of Saxony.

The decoration is a cross patteé which presents the cypher AR for Albertus Rex on the obverse, and the year 1863/1864 on the reverse, each surrounded by a wreath. The cross is embossed in one piece.