Prussia ~ Merit Cross For War Aid

[ChrisKelly]

"The Merit Cross for War Aid (German: Verdienstkreuz für Kriegshilfe) was a war decoration of Prussia awarded during World War I. Instituted 5 December 1916, the cross was awarded for patriotic war aid service, without regard to status or rank."

 

Source:

 

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merit_Cross_for_War_Aid#:~:text=The Merit Cross for War,regard to status or rank.

 

[ChrisKelly]

The similarities between the Merit Cross For War Aid (1916) and the Civil Merit Cross (1912) are striking.  The Prussian Civil Merit Cross came in gold and silver classes.

 

Source (first three images):

 

https://www.germandaggers.com/Gallery/MW1.php

 

Edited December 9, 2024 by ChrisKelly

[Stogieman]

Good Morning Chris! That last medal bar is spectacular! Is it yours?? Very hard to find a mounted example with the jubilee button!!

[ChrisKelly]

Unfortunately, I don't own that medal bar.  I forgot where on the world-wide-web I found that image.

[VtwinVince]

I agree, that is a rare one.

[Stogieman]

Never get tired of seeing that cross Vince!

[VtwinVince]

Me neither, at around 25 awarded it is by far the rarest item in my collection.

[Komtur]

[VtwinVince]

A 'nice pair' Komtur.

[Wild Card]

An excellent presentation, gentlemen.

 

Thank you.

 

Wild Card

[Komtur]

[Stogieman]

@Komtur Now that’s pretty special! Thanks for sharing!

[graham]

A small contribution, my Merit Cross for War Aid with its certificate:

 

 

 

[VtwinVince]

Actually nice, that's a marked example.

[ChrisKelly]

I just noticed...  What does the "F" mean?

[graham]

It is the manufacturers mark. Either Firma Lauer or Emil Finke, Peter Filmer or Clara Feldmann all Berlin manufacturers.