History

The Merit Cross (Verdienstkreuz) was instituted on July 2, 1900 by King Wilhelm II of Württemberg. It was awarded to recognise a wide range of meritorious services and achievements.

As of January 29, 1915, crossed swords could be to the Cross to recognise military merit in wartime. The decorations with crossed swords were generally awarded to military personnel, such as senior non-commissioned officers and Sergeant Lieutenants who had already been awarded the Iron Cross.

The crosses were manufactured by Eduard Foehr in Stuttgart from 1900 to 1915 and by the Württemberg Royal Mint in Stuttgart from 1915 to 1918.

The Cross ranked between the Merit Medal of the Order of the Württemberg Crown and the II Class Knight’s Cross of the Friedrich Order. Until the establishment of the Wilhelmkreuz in 1915, the Merit Cross was the highest ranking decoration for honour in Württemberg.

The Merit Cross was awarded a total of 2,284 times.