Order of Merit, Civil Division, I Class Cross

SKU: 01.WLD.0101.101.01

Estimated market value:

$ Click to See Price/Value

  • Order of Merit, Civil Division, I Class Cross (1896-1918 version, in gold) Obverse
  • Order of Merit, Civil Division, I Class Cross (1896-1918 version, in gold) Reverse

Attributes

  • country
    Germany
  • date of institution
    January 14, 1871
  • remarks
    The German name of the award is ‘Verdienstorden/Verdienstkreuz 1. Klasse’.

Physical Description


A George’s cross with Maltese cross-style arms, constructed of gold and enamel. The cross arms are enamelled in white with narrow golden edges. On top of the 12 o’clock arm is a golden crown, attached via two curved links. The obverse centre medallion features the eight-sided coat of arms star of Waldeck in black enamel with narrow golden edges. The medallion ring is enamelled in blue, it features rays, two golden stars, and the golden inscription ‘DEM VERDIENSTE’ (‘for merit’) at the bottom. The star itself features a medallion in white enamel with a red enamelled cross moline with golden edges for Pyrmont. The medallion on the star features a golden and smooth medallion ring. The reverse features a finely pebbled centre medallion with the crowned and intertwined monogram ‘GV’. On a loop for suspension, on a yellow ribbon with an inner red and outer black side stripe on each side.

History


The Order of Merit was originally founded as a medal by Prince Georg Friedrich of Waldeck and Pyrmont in 1857, but in 1871, it was upgraded to an order by Prince Georg Viktor. The Order of Merit was conferred upon citizens of Waldeck who rendered exceptional service to the princely house and contributed to the welfare of the state.

The order was established in two classes, I Class and II Class. The II Class Medal was the Medal of Merit that had been established in 1857. The II Class was awarded in this form until 1891 when it was reintroduced in a cross design. Recipients of the medal were able to exchange their decoration for the newly designed cross version.

In 1878, the II Class Cross and Silver Merit Medal were added to the order. In 1896, the names of the order’s decorations were changed from “Verdienstorden” ('Order of Merit', ex: Verdienstorden 1. Klasse) to “Verdienstkreuz” ('Cross of Merit', ex: Verdienstkreuz 1. Klasse). At the same time, the IV Class Cross was added to the order.

In 1899, the Silver Merit Cross and Golden Merit Medal were introduced. The Gold Merit Medal was produced in a similar design to the original 1857 Merit Medal.

In 1912, the Officer’s Cross was established as the order’s V Class.

As of 1915, swords could be added to all classes to denote military merit. As of 1918, an individual had to have previously received the Iron Cross in order to receive a decoration with swords.

From 1871 until 1896, the I Class Cross was surmounted by a golden oak leaf, and from 1896 until 1918, it was surmounted by a golden crown.

FOR SALE / WANTED

Item For Sale By

Be the first to sell this item

Wanted By

Be the first to request this item

Versions

  • Price

    $3,500 USD

  • Composition

    Gold/Enamelled

  • Inscription

    Obv: DEM VERDIENSTE Rev: GV

  • Size

    62x62mm

  • Maker

  • Version Remarks

    188 were awarded.

  • View Item
  • Price

    $3,500 USD

  • Composition

    Gold/Enamelled

  • Inscription

    Obv: DEM VERDIENSTE Rev: GV

  • Size

    61x61mm

  • Maker

    C. F. Zimmermann, Pforzheim

  • Version Remarks

  • View Item
  • Price

    $2,750 USD

  • Composition

    Copper gilt/Gold/Enamelled

  • Inscription

    Obv: DEM VERDIENSTE Rev: GV

  • Size

    60x60mm

  • Maker

  • Version Remarks

  • View Item
  • Price

    $2,750 USD

  • Composition

    Silver gilt/Enamelled

  • Inscription

    Obv: DEM VERDIENSTE Rev: GV

  • Size

    63x63mm

  • Maker

  • Version Remarks

    Specimens in silver gilt were first awarded in November of 1915.

  • View Item

Comments

Sign in to comment and reply.

Scroll Top