Duchy of Anhalt, First World War Group of Three on original ribbons, court mounted for wear, comprising: Iron Cross II class, Friedrich Cross and the Cross of Honour of the World War for combatants (Herzogtum Anhalt, 3er Ordenspange, Weltkrieg I. bestehen aus: Eiserne Kreuz, II. Klasse, Friedrich-Kreuz und die Ehrenkreuz des Weltkrieges, 1914-1918. *** PRUSSIA. Iron Cross, II class, 1914 issue. White metal cross pattée with an magnetic core, with a blackened cross pattée within a hatched border imposed, with loop and ring for ribbon suspension, the ring with indistinct maker’s mark ‘Y’(?); the face with a central ‘W’ (for Wilhelm), a crown above, the date ‘1914’ below; the reverse with a central oak branch, the crowned cipher ‘FW’ (for Friedrich Wilhelm) above, the date ‘1813’ below. The Iron Cross was instituted on 10 March 1813 by King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia during the War of Liberation against the Napoleonic French forces. It was reinstated in 1870-1871 for the Franco-Prussian War and again in 1914 for World War I. It is awarded for bravery. In spite of its iconic image and fame, it has always been made of modest materials and issued in relatively large numbers. It was designed by the neo-classical architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel and reflects the cross of the Teutonic Knights in the late Middle Ages which was also the emblem of Frederick the Great. Despite being a Prussian decoration, it was widely awarded to the citizens of other states of the German Empire, of which Prussia was the leading member. *** Friedrich Cross. Darkened bronze cross pattée with oak leaf wreath between the arms, with loop for ribbon suspension; the face with a circular central medallion bearing the cipher of Duke Friedrich II, the crown of Anhalt on the upper arm, the date ‘1914’ on the lower arm; the reverse with a large circular central medallion inscribed ‘FÜR VERDIENST IM KRIEGE’ (For merit in war). The Cross was created by Duke Friedrich II on 12 December 1914 for officers, military officials, non-commissioned officers and other ranks, as well as other persons, without regard for rank or status, who showed particular excellence in the theatre of war or exemplary conduct on the home front in support of the war (‘für Offiziere, Militärbeamte, Unteroffiziere und Mannschaften sowie für sonstige Personen ohne Unterscheid des Ranges und Standes, die sich auf dem Kriegsschauplatz besonders ausgezeichnet oder während des Krieges im Heimatsgebiet hervorragend betätigt haben’). *** Cross of Honour of the World War, Combatant (Ehrenkreuz des Weltkrieges, Frontkämpfer), 1914-1918. Bronzed iron cross pattée with magnetic core, crossed swords between the arms, on laterally-pierced loop for ribbon suspension; the face with the dates ‘1914 1918’ encircled by a wreath of laurel leaves; the reverse plain, signed ‘R. V. PFORZHEIM 29’. The Cross was instituted on 13 July 1934 by President Field Marshal Paul von Beneckendorff und von Hindenburg and is often referred to as the ‘Hindenburg Cross’. There were three versions - for combatants, non-combatants and next of kin - the latter being awarded to the widows and parents of those who died during the conflict. Designed by Eugene Godet, this was the first and only commemorative medal issued by the Third Reich. The population of the Duchy of Anhalt was less than 350,000 at the time of World War I and its decorations are amongst those found less often. Further illustrations available on request. A very good group in untouched original condition.
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