Prussian Red Cross Medal

[Fritz]

The Prussian Red Cross decoration was awarded in 3 classes and instituted by Kaiser Wilhelm II. on 1. October 1898. The first class was a partly enamelled pinback cross, the second was in silver with enamel and the third was in bronze without enamels. The decoration is also known to be awarded with bars for earlier campaigns. Bars were not awarded after 1914.

Photos depict three variations of the Third Class medal, an early gilded bronze example, a zinc example as from 1916 and a steel example on a lady's bow. The suspension rings on the iron and zinc examples are of spring steel, like an S-Ring, which was more durable for wear.

The medal reverse bears the inscription: FVER VERDIENSTE VM DAS ROTHE KREVZ (Note old style of spelling with "th", the word "um", written in capitals is here "VM")

The averse bears a cross with the Prussian Crown at each end and WR - AV - standing for Kaiser Wilhelm and Auguste Viktoria.

The zinc example on a short piece of ribbon is here with the original plain red presentation case, of very good quality with a velvet and silk lining, the outside of non-leather compressed paper, with a leather-like finish.

The third picture shows an example of the 2nd Class decoration, which is in silvered white metal, the cross in red enamel. The medals could also be awarded on the ribbon for assisting war service - Kriegshilfsdienst, shown here

[Fritz]

An example of the First Class Decoration, red enamel on gilded silver, pinback

These are quite rare.

[leon21]

I've all ways liked these medals here's one I have a Third Class gilded bronze with red case and outer cardboard case which has a

waxy feel to it.

And an image of the Second Class both sides the inscription translates in English as ( For Merit In The Red Cross ) and W.R. and A.V.

Translate in English as ( William Rex and Augusta Victoria ).

And an image of a advert for the three classes of medals by J.Godet & Sohn.

[Fritz]

Nice early example you have, the quality of the case is superb, this changed after the beginning of WWI, the cases no longer had the gold impressed rim, and the medals were then produced in zinc or iron. Your example still has some nice gilt finish. The "Überkarton" is of course very rare and can improve the total value enormously.

The decoration was institued in 1898 and most of the early examples were awarded during the campaigns in the colonies.

Bars could also be worn as from 1900, the following examples are known:
Südafrika 1899-1900, – Ostasien 1900/01 – and– Südwestafrika 1904/06