Bavaria Question about Bavarian Military Merit Crosses

[army historian]

Hello all can any one explain the different classes 1-3 of the Bavarian Military Merit Crosses? I know they came with and without Crown, and with or without swords. What distinguishes each class. Cheers Captain Albert

Edited December 21, 2011 by army historian

[Beau Newman]

The 1st Class is gilt with an enameled obverse center medallion. The 2nd Class is silvered with an enameled center. The 3rd Class is bronze with no enamel. There was also a late war version of the 3rd class in zinc. All classes were awarded with and without swords and with and without crown. True "without swords" awards are rare.

I hope this is helpful,

[army historian]

Thanks Beau, that is really helpful. I understand they were awarded by rank. Anyone know what rank got the 2nd class? Cheers Captain Albert

[Dave Danner]

Thanks Beau, that is really helpful. I understand they were awarded by rank. Anyone know what rank got the 2nd class? Cheers Captain Albert

In the Army: Feldwebel/Wachtmeister, Vizefeldwebel/Vizewachtmeister, Unterarzt, Unterveterinär, Oberfeuerwerker

Edit to add: If on the ribbon for war merit, to officials in the master craftsman grades, for example: Waffenmeister, Feldbackmeister, Feldpostschaffner

Also, later in the war, the 2nd Class might be a second award for someone more junior who had already received the Third Class with Crown (which normally went to Unteroffiziere, Sergeants, and the equivalent).

Edited December 22, 2011 by Dave Danner

[army historian]

Thanks Dave - I have a death card coming and the soldier apparently was awarded the 2 class MMC prior to his death on 1 Oct 1914. I have been using ancestry.com - but his birth date does not match any Josef Pschorr, only one born 19 Feb 1876. The card states 1883, but said he had the Kaiser Wilhelm's medal (1897) but if he was born in 1883 he would have been 14. The card is posted under docs, photos, and research. Cheers Captain Albert

[serkan2084]

hi,. ı search a medal .. help me please.. 1.Ranks Krone der Preussen Wilhem II.