Description
MECKLENBURG-SCHWERIN – MILITARY MERIT CROSS – 1870 – 2nd CLASS
The Mecklenburg-Schwerin Military Merit Cross (Militärverdienstkreuz) was established by Friedrich Franz II, Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin on August 5, 1848.
Mecklenburg-Schwerin, a grand duchy located in northern Germany, was a member of the German Confederation and later the German Empire.
The Mecklenburg-Schwerin’s Military Merit Cross came in two classes, a pinback 1st Class and a 2nd Class worn from a ribbon, both were awarded without regard to rank and both were awarded for specific campaigns, This is indicated by a date on the bottom arm of the cross.
Our military merit cross 1870 version was created for the Franco-Prussian War, where Mecklenburg troops fought as part of the 17. Division. In this war, a number of officers and soldiers received both the Iron Cross and the Mecklenburg-Schwerin Military Merit Cross.
Well preserved bronze gilt cross (similar to the Iron Cross but with slightly narrower arms)
- The obverse is a crown on the upper arm
- The initials of Friedrich Franz in the center
- The date at the bottom of the lower arm
- The reverse reads “Für Auszeichnung im Kriege” (“For distinction in the war”)
- The NON combatants ribbon is red with light blue and yellow narrow edge stripes
