Prussian Red Cross Kreuz 1. Kl.

[NavalMark]

Hello Alex,

please compare the crowns. The pics could be better, but i think you can see the differences. The outer shape is different, the cross on top left is llarger and cut-out. The pearls in the bottom row left have all the same size, right they get smaller from center to the sides, so it looks more 3-dimensional. The edges of the cross on the right side are correctly silver, the cross on the the left side has been completely gilted. So we have here two pieces strucked from two different tools. As Mike said, the cross on right side matches the tool of the Berliner M?nze, today stored in the Bode-Museum in Berlin

Regards

Markus

[RAO]

@ Markus, thank you for the help that is the crucial difference. ;o)

@ Alex, yes that cross in the link is a Copy ? la Ebay

Best Regards Mike

[Peter J]

Thanks for some very helpful information. I have one "stupid" question on this topic though. Both the 2nd and 3rd class are "medals" by definition, whilst the 1st class normally would be labelled "Kreuz" or "Ehrenzeichen" in German, considering its shape. Are there any other German decorations with similar unorthodox designation?

cheers

Peter

[RAO]

Yes, there is the Frauenverdienstkreuz is not a cross. ;o)

Look here: http://gmic.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=27665

Best Regards Mike

Edited July 25, 2008 by RAO

[Peter J]

Thanks Mike

cheers

Peter

Yes, there is the Frauenverdienstkreuz is not a cross. ;o)

Look here: http://gmic.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=27665

Best Regards Mike

[RAO]

And another crazy thing is that the Kriegsdenkm?nzen (coins) KDM 1813/14/15 and 70/71 are not realy coins. o)

[RAO]

Here are a small detail, the buttom of the cases is gilt. Best Regards Mike

[Komtur]

As Markus and Mike said before, there are the tools of the awarded crosses stored in the Bode-Museum in Berlin. Additionly there are documents about the production, telling us there where 260 crosses produced. As usual in Germany, it is possible to examin items stored in official museums. So we know now, wich crosses fit in the punch exactly (always in only one of the four possible positions!).

Here is another "fitting" one (please notice - again gilded crowns and silver edge of the cross):

Edited August 2, 2008 by Komtur

[Komtur]

Unfortunately it is not allowed to publish pictures of the tools

the reverse of the cross:

[Komtur]

Another picture of Schjerning with the Red Cross Medal 1st class:

[RAO]

@Komtur

Welcom back. ;o) Greetings Mike