Physical Description

A cross pattée, constructed of silver and enamel. The arms are enamelled in steel blue with smooth, doubled, silver edges. The centre features the silver Roman numeral ‘XX’. The reverse is identical. On a loop for suspension, on a ribbon of equal parts blue, white, and red (from left to right).

History

The Military Long Service Decorations for officers were introduced on January 23, 1850 by the provisional government of Schleswig-Holstein. They were conferred upon military personnel who rendered long and faithful service with the army.

The Silver Cross for 20 Years was conferred upon officers. The Schleswig-Holstein army was disbanded at the end of March 1851 and as such, the Decorations for 20 and 30 years of service are rare.