Wreath: Round Green Enamel Baden 01

Like W?rttemberg's Military Merit Order and Military Merit Medals, this ribbon was used as a generic war decorations ribbon for ALL of Baden's valor decorations. It is for the Military Karl Friedrich Merit Order, but will be most commonly seen without any device, for the hundreds of thousands of Silver Merit Medals awarded on this ribbon to junior enlisted ranks 1914-18.

The green enamel wreath on this ribbon indicates this was for Baden's Military Karl Friedrich Order-Knight.

Baden's highest award, like the Bavarian Military Max Joseph Order, the Order insignia had to be returned to the state Orders Chancery when holders died. The same Orders were then RE-issued to new recipients the next time there was a war.

This odd custom means that occasionally to be found on Third Reich Medal bars are Orders first awarded during the time of Napoleon!

This wreath can also be found for the W?rttemberg Military Merit Order. There is nothing significant in the various details of different sizes and styles of wreath. Only the shape and color mattered.

Courtesy of Deruelle.