Physical Description

A pebbled George’s cross with slightly curved arms and a broad smooth edge, constructed of bronze. Between the arms are rays that, put together, form a square. The obverse centre medallion is surrounded by a wreath of oak leaves, tied at the top and bottom by a ribbon. It features the crowned and intertwined monogram ‘JR’. The reverse is similar, except that the medallion features the dates ‘1866’. On a loop for suspension, on a yellow ribbon with three light blue stripes for combatants and on a light blue ribbon with three yellow stripes for non-combatants.

History

The War Commemorative Cross for 1866 was instituted on May 22, 1867 by King Johann for all soldiers who had participated in the war with Prussia, regardless of whether or not they had seen action.

The medals for combatants were worn on a ribbon with alternating yellow and blue stripes, with four yellow stripes and three blue stripes.

The medals for non-combatants were worn on a ribbon with alternating blue and yellow stripes, with four blue stripes and three yellow stripes.