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Category: Germany

The Royal Order of Saint George (Immaculate Conception)

The Royal Military Order of Saint George for the Defense of the Faith and the Immaculate Conception was founded by Maximilian II Emanuel.

The Royal Military Order of Saint George for the Defense of the Faith and the Immaculate Conception (also known as the Royal Bavarian House Equestrian Order of Saint George, Königlich Bayerischer Haus-Ritter-Orden vom Heiligen Georg in German) was founded by Maximilian II Emanuel, Elector of Bavaria around 1726 to honor the nobility and recognize distinguished civil and military service.

Its status as a Catholic Order was confirmed in a Papal Bull of 15 March 1728 – specifically comparing the Order with the Teutonic Order, which had likewise been transformed from a Crusading Order to an exclusive chivalric religious institution for the Nobility.

Various Bavarian Princes who in the fifteenth century had made pilgrimages to the Holy Sepulcher and were there invested as knights had each made a promise to Saint George, the patron saint of chivalry. Maximilian’s son, the Elector Karl-Albrecht, gave the new Order its title of Order of the Holy Knight and Martyr Saint George and the Immaculate Conception of the Holy Virgin Mary and established its statutes on March 28, 1729 as a Military Order of Chivalry for Roman Catholic noblemen.

The Royal Order of Saint George Design

The badge of the Order is a blue enameled gold Maltese cross with white enameled borders and small gold balls on the points. There are blue diagonal lozenges (each bearing a gold letter, V. I. B. I., representing the words Virgini Immaculatae Bavaria Immaculata) between the arms also with white enameled borders.

The round gold medallion in the center obverse has the image of the Virgin Mary within a white enameled border. The reverse of the badge has the same design except that the arms of the cross are enameled red and the blue lozenges bear the letters I. V. P. F. (Justis Vt Palma Fiorebit or “Distinguished for Justice and Glory”). The center gold medallion is of Saint George slaying the Dragon within a green enameled laurel wreath.

The badge hangs from a light blue silk moire ribbon with white stripes near its border with narrow dark blue stripes on the inside of these white stripes. It’s suspended by a gold lion’s head holding in its mouth a blue reverse crescent shaped handle of the gold and enamel strapwork supporting the badge proper.

The officials of the order wore a special heraldic cross, a Maltese cross like the former, but with its round central medallion bearing the red cross of St. George.

On formal occasions the badge is worn by the members of the first class of the order (i.e., Grand Master, Grand Priors and Grand Commanders) from a gold collar formed of links in the form of a gold rectangle with gold Bavarian royal crowns on the either side of this rectangle, or in the form of two gold lions rampart combatant standing on a gold scroll.

The Order of Saint Hubert

The Royal Order of Saint Hubert is a Roman Catholic dynastic order of knighthood founded in 1444 or 1445 by Gerhard VII.

The Royal Order of Saint Hubert is a Roman Catholic dynastic order of knighthood founded in 1444 or 1445 by Gerhard VII, Duke of Jülich-Berg to commemorate his victory over the House of Egmond at the Battle of Linnich on 3 November (Saint Hubert‘s day, which commemorates the conversion of Saint Hubert and his standing as the patron saint of hunters and knights).

The establishment of the Order occurred during a long-term, intermittent territorial dispute that began in the 1430s between the Dukes of Jülich and the Guelders. the Order of Saint Hubert honors a military victory of the Duke of Jülich, on Saint Hubert’s day, 3 November 1444.

Initially, the order was open to men and women, although the number of male companions was limited to sixty. Over time, the award had other uses as a reward for loyalty to the monarch and service to the princely state.

The Order of Saint Hubert Design

The insignia is a gold-enameled cross lying in a white field and surmounted by a crown.

On the obverse is represented the conversion of Saint Hubert, with the legend In trau vast (“Firm in fidelity”) in Gothic letters. On the reverse lies the imperial orb and the Latin inscription In memoriam recuperatæ dignitatis a vitæ 1708 (“In remembrance of the restoration of the original dignity, 1708″).

Originally, the order consisted of a collar (of stylized horns, six for men and four for women) and a pendant jewel (depicting the conversion of Saint Hubert). The great cross was only worn on special days.

The collar of the Order under the Wittelsbach dynasty consisted of forty-four gold links, twenty-two of which consisted of a rectangular representation of the conversion of Saint Hubert in open relief surrounded by a gold and white enamel frame.

The sash of the Order was poppy red moire with narrow green borders, but under the knot, at the ends of this sash, these green borders as well as the ends of the sash were covered with gold metallic ribbon.

The Centenary Medal (Prussia)

The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Medal was established in 1897 by Wilhelm II to celebrate the 100th Birthday of his grandfather Emperor Wilhelm I.

The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Medal (also known as the Centenary Medal or Kaiser-Wilhelm-Erinnerungsmedaille Zentenarmedaille in German) was established on March 22, 1897 by Wilhelm II to celebrate the 100th Birthday of his grandfather, Emperor Wilhelm I.

The Centenary Medal was awarded by Prussia to state and university officials, as well as all military officers, non-commissioned officers and enlisted personnel, who had been actively serving in army, navy and Schutztruppe.

Medals were also awarded to the surviving veterans of the First Schleswig War, Second Schleswig War, Austro-Prussian War, and the Franco-Prussian War.

The Centenary Medal Design

The Centenary Medal is struck made of bronze gunmetal from captured cannons. It measures 40 mm in diameter and is suspended from a ribbon 36 mm wide.

The obverse depicts a right facing effigy of Wilhelm I in military uniform wearing a mantle and Pickelhaube. To the left of the effigy is the inscription WILHELM / DER / GROSSE / DEUTSCHE / KAISER (William the Great German Emperor). To the right is KOENIG / VON / PREUSSEN (King of Prussia).

The reverse of the medal shows symbols of royal authority including the German State Crown, an orb, sword, and scepter placed upon a pillow surrounded by oak leaves, in the lower half of the medal. To the left is an upward climbing laurel branch. In the upper half is the inscription in six lines ZUM ANDENKEN AN DEN HUNDERTSTEN GEBURTSTAG DES GROSSEN KAISERS WILHELM I. 1797 22.MAERZ 1897 (IN MEMORY OF THE HUNDREDTH BIRTHDAY THE GREAT EMPEROR WILHELM I. 1797–MARCH 22–1897).

The China Medal (German Empire)

The China Medal is a medal of the German Empire established in 1901 by Kaiser Wilhelm II as King of Prussia and German Kaiser. 

The China Medal (or China-Denkmünze in German) is a medal of the German Empire established on 10 May 1901 by Kaiser Wilhelm II, in his capacity as King of Prussia and German Kaiser.

There were 14 medal clips awarded for involvement in battles.

The China Medal Design

There were two versions of the China Medal: one in bronze and a variant in steel. Both measure 32.7 mm in diameter.

The bronze medal was rewarded for service by German troops and civilians during the Boxer Rebellion. The steel medal was awarded to those contributing to the war effort at home and the sailors of the merchant fleet transporting the soldiers to China.

The initial design came from Wilhelm II himself and was executed by professor Walter Schott. The medals were produced by the company Mayer & Wilhelm in Stuttgart.

The Colonial Medal (German Empire)

The Colonial Medal is a medal of the German Empire established in 1912 by Kaiser Wilhelm II and awarded retroactively.

The Colonial Medal (or Kolonial-Denkmünze in German) is a medal of the German Empire established on 13 June 1912 by Kaiser Wilhelm II and awarded retroactively for participation in military operations in the German colonies.

There were some exceptions: Those who had participated in the Boxer Rebellion 1900-01, and German South-West Africa in the years 1904-08. These operations were eligible for their own unique commemorative medal.

The medal was awarded with claps which were manufactured of gold plated brass. Claps were mounted on the ribbon of the medal.

The Colonial Medal Design

The Colonial medal is made of bronze. The obverse depicts the right-facing bust of Wilhelm II in uniform, with the initials W II. The reverse shows oak leaves on the right and a laurel branch on the left. In the center is the imperial crown which sits above the inscription “DEN TAPFEREN STREITERN FÜR DEUTSCHLANDS EHRE” (“The brave warriors for Germany’s honor”).

The ribbon is white with four thin red lines in the center and black stripes on the edges.

The War Commemorative Medal of 1870/71

The War Commemorative Medal of 1870/71 was a campaign medal presented by Kaiser William I in his capacity as King of Prussia.

The War Commemorative Medal of 1870/71 (or Kriegsdenkmünze für die Feldzüge 1870–71 in German) is a campaign medal presented by Kaiser William I in his capacity as King of Prussia to commemorate service in the Franco Prussian War.

The medal was presented to members of the united German armies. For combat service the medal was bronze, and non-combat service was steel. Each version bore minor differences in inscription and design. The war medal was presented to officers, military physicians, civil servants and men of the German armies who took part in the Franco-Prussian war through 2 March 1871. It was also awarded to the crew of the SMS Augusta for service from 11 December 1870 to 2 March 1871.

Clasps were authorized on the 25th anniversary of the German victory, to commemorate selected battles. The clasps were only allowed to be worn on combatant medals by front line soldiers. They are 6 mm high and 32–39 mm wide and were made of gilt bronze or brass.

The War Commemorative Medal Design

The medal for combatants was manufactured from captured bronze cannon barrels.

The obverse shows the crowned Royal cypher of William I over the inscription Dem siegreichen Heere (To the victorious army). Inscribed around the edge is Gott war mit uns, Ihm sei die Ehre (God was with us, to Him be the glory).

The reverse shows a cross with rays between the four arms. In the center of the cross is a laurel wreath surrounding the dates 1870 and 1871. On the edge of the coin is inscribed AUS EROBERTEM GESCHUETZ (From conquered cannon).

The medal for non-combatants is made of steel. It follows a similar design with only minor deviations. The center inscription on the obverse is Für Pflichttreue im Kriege (For devotion to duty in the war). On the reverse the wreath on the cross is of oak leaves.

The Warrior Merit Medal (Prussia)

The Warrior Merit Medal is a military decoration of Prussia established by Friedrich Wilhelm III and awarded primarily to troops.

  • Time Period: Pre-WW1
  • Institution: 1835
  • Country: Germany (Kingdom of Prussia)

The Warrior Merit Medal (or Krieger-Verdienstmedaille in German) is a military decoration of Prussia established by Friedrich Wilhelm III and awarded primarily to troops not in Prussian service.

The first recipients of the Warrior Merit Medal were members of the Imperial Guard grenadier company guarding the Russian imperial residence during Friedrich Whilhelm’s visit to St. Petersburg in 1835.

The Warrior Merit Medal Design

There are two versions of the Warrior Merit Medal. Both versions are circular and struck in silver, and measure 25 mm in diameter.

The first version depicts the crowned cypher of Friedrich Wilhelm III on the obverse of the medal. The reverse bears the inscription KRIEGER VERDIENST (Warrior Merit) surrounded by a wreath of two laurel sprigs, tied at its base with a bow. The medal is suspended by a ring suspension and hangs from the ribbon of the Order of the Red Eagle.

The later version of the medal depicts the crowned cipher of King Wilhelm I on the obverse. The reverse is also inscribed KRIEGER VERDIENST and surrounded by a thicker laurel wreath than the early version.

The medal is suspended by a ring and hangs from the black with white stripes kämpferband (combatants ribbon) or the white with black stripe nichtkämpferband (non-combatants ribbon).

The Merit Cross for War Aid

The Merit Cross for War Aid is a war decoration of Prussia awarded during World War I. The medal was instituted on 5 December 1916.

  • Time Period: Pre-WW1, WW1
  • Institution: 5 December 1916
  • Country: Germany (Kingdom of Prussia)

The Merit Cross for War Aid (or Verdienstkreuz für Kriegshilfe in German) is a war decoration of Prussia awarded during World War I. The medal was instituted on 5 December 1916 and awarded for patriotic war aid service, without regard to status or rank.

An order was placed with the Nürnberg-based company Lauer as soon as Wilhelm II approved the floating sketch. Specimen crosses were submitted for imperial approval on December 26, 1915 and first 200 pieces were then ordered for immediate production and further distribution among distinguished Prussians. A special emphasis was made on luxury casing (brown leather boxes) for half of that lot reserved for dignitaries.

The very first recipients of Verdienstkreuz für Kriegshilfe were Wilhelm II himself and Generalfeldmarschall Paul von Hindenburg. Altogether 500,000 crosses and 167,643 m of ribbon worth 857,000 Marks were ordered.

The Merit Cross for War Aid Design

The Merit Cross for War Aid is in the shape of a Maltese cross, typically found made of blackened Kriegsmetall alloy.

The obverse of the Merit Cross for War Aid bears a circular central medallion with the crowned cipher of King Wilhelm II. On the reverse the central medallion is inscribed FÜR KRIEGS-HILFSDIENST (For War Aid Merit) above an oak wreath.

The upper arm is attached to a loop for suspension from its ribbon. The ribbon is red, white and black. Design of a new decoration was based on a Silver Merits Cross with an exception of central medallion on reverse (both sides of the latter were identical) and ribbon color.

The Military Honor Medal

The Military Honor Medal (Militär-Ehrenzeichen) is a military decoration awarded by the Kingdom of Prussia to military personnel.

  • Time Period: Pre-WW1
  • Institution: 1814
  • Country: Germany (Kingdom of Prussia)

The Military Honor Medal (or Militär-Ehrenzeichen in German) is a two-class military decoration awarded by the Kingdom of Prussia to military personnel from the rank of sergeant and below. The Military Honor Medal could also be awarded to foreign troops, an example being 52 awards to Russian soldiers for service in China in 1902.

The Military Honor Medal was typically awarded during wars when the Iron Cross was not. These conflicts included the wars of German Unification such as the Revolutions of 1848 in the German states, the Second Schleswig War in 1864, and the Austro-Prussian War in 1866. 

In 1864, King Wilhelm I reauthorized the Military Honor Medal for award with a redesign of the 1st class cross and a 2nd class medal. This new authorization also changed the criteria of the medal, meaning it was no longer necessary to be awarded the 2nd class medal before the 1st class cross.

The Military Honor Medal Design

The 1814 version shares the same design as the Honor Decoration, the only difference between the awards at that time was the color of ribbon suspending the cross.

The 1st class medal is struck in silver and measures 36 mm. The design is a cross pattée with a center medallion. The obverse of the medallion bore the inscription VERDIENST UM DEN STAAT (Merit for the State) in three lines, while the reverse bore the crowned cypher of Friedrich Wilhelm III. The 2nd class is a 39 mm circular silver medal also bearing the inscription VERDIENST UM DEN STAAT on its obverse, surrounded by a laurel wreath, with the reverse depicting a large crowned cypher of Friedrich Wilhelm III.

In 1830, the General Honor Decoration, 1st class, became the Fourth Class of the Order of the Red Eagle, with the medallion in the center of the cross being replaced by an enamelled insignia of the Order of the Red Eagle.

The 1st class cross from 1864 is still in the form of a silver cross pattée, but the obverse now bore the inscription KRIEGS VERDIENST (War Merit) above a spray of laurel leaves. The reverse bore the crowned cypher of King Wilhelm. The 2nd class medal was still in the form of a circular medal but also gained the updated obverse inscription KRIEGS VERDIENST, with its obverse bearing the crowned cypher of King Wilhelm.

The Military Merit Cross (Prussia)

The Military Merit Cross was the highest bravery award of the Kingdom of Prussia for non-commissioned officers and enlisted soldiers.

  • Time Period: Pre-WW1
  • Institution: February 27, 1864
  • Country: Germany (Kingdom of Prussia)

The Military Merit Cross (or Militär-Verdienstkreuz in German, also known as Golden Military Merit Cross or Goldenes Militär-Verdienstkreuz) was the highest bravery award of the Kingdom of Prussia for non-commissioned officers and enlisted soldiers.

The Military Merit Cross was founded by King Wilhelm I of Prussia on February 27, 1864 and originally reserved for those in the rank of Feldwebel (the highest NCO grade) and below. Eligibility was later extended to soldiers in the rank of Offizier-Stellvertreter, comparable to a warrant officer-type rank.

The first 16 awards were made for the Austro-Prussian War of 1866. No awards were made for the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71. The next group of awards were 17 made in 1879 to Russian soldiers for bravery in the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-78. Only five more awards were made before World War I: four for colonial conflicts and one for the Boxer Rebellion.

The first Military Merit Cross was awarded in October 1916, followed by 54 more awards in 1917. Despite the much larger number of awards in 1918, the decoration remained extremely rare. Recipients received a monthly stipend, which was maintained even after the end of the Prussian monarchy in November 1918 through the Third Reich era.

The Military Merit Cross Design

The design of the Military Merit Cross medal is a gold cross pattée with a center medallion. It measures 37.96 mm (wide) x 37.82 mm (high) and weighs 16.0 grams.

In the obverse is inscribed “Kriegsverdienst” (Military Merit). The reverse bears the crowned Royal Monogram of Wilhelm Rex.

The medal hangs from a double loop suspension.