Order of Merit, Civil Division, I Class Cross (1896-1918 version, in silver gilt)
CATEGORY: Version
SKU: 01.WLD.0101.101.01.003
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A George’s cross with Maltese cross-style arms, constructed of silver gilt 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.
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.
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