Fritz Posted November 18, 2020 Share Posted November 18, 2020 This was the highest Prussian military award (for other ranks), sometimes known as the "Pour le Mérite for Unteroffiziere and Mannschaften". Awarded only to non-officer grades. Established in February 1864 for military valour and ceased at the end of World War I. The decoration was orginally all gold, but by mid 1916 gold was replaced by silver with a gold finish. Most originals found have a silver appearance with only slight traces of gold. Not to be confused with the Militär Ehrenzeichen I. Klasse, which was identical, but in silver. Recipients received a special pension at the end of their service. From 1914 till 1918 1.770 crosses were awarded. Around 400 recipients died during World War I, 21 of whom were with the Air Service. The last surviving holder of the Militärverdienstkreuz, Offizierstellvertreter Karl Heinzmann, died on 24. April 1990 at the age of 101 years. Many examples on offer recently are post 1918 copies or duplicates. Originals should have a "W" mark on the bottom cross edge. One of the rarest Prussian military decorations. The price nowadays for an original example with case and documents would be around 3.000 Euros upwards, for a gold example much more, as these were only made till beginning of 1916. This example is certainly a post-WW1 duplicate, as worn, probably fired-gilded bronze. Most apparent is the thin ring loop. The original cases were covered in green leather, the base lined with purple velvet, the cartoned edge was gilded, the lid with white silk. Militär-Ehrenzeichen I. Klasse (Silver) Militär-Ehrenzeichen 2. Klasse (Silver) Examples: Internet photos 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fritz Posted November 27, 2020 Author Share Posted November 27, 2020 Further details added 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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