Circular silver medal with ribbed loop for ribbon suspension; the face inscribed ‘Für Verdienst’ (For Merit) in Gothic script within a laurel wreath; the reverse with the crowned cipher of Prince Heinrich; some age toning and light surface scratching; on correct possibly replaced peacetime ribbon. The Princely Reuss Cross of Honour was instituted on 24 May 1869 by Prince Heinrich XIV of Reuss-Gera (Reuss Younger Line) and in 1885 and 1897 silver and gold merit medals were added for non-commissioned officers and other ranks. In 1909, swords were added for military awards and on 9 January 1915 a war ribbon was created. In 1902, when Prince Heinrich XXII of Reuss Greiz (Reuss Older Line) died, his heir, Prince Heinrich XXIV was considered incapable of discharging his duties and Prince Heinrich XXVII, son of the reigning prince of Reuss Gera, was made Regent and the award of the Cross and its associated medals was extended to Reuss Greiz. The combined population of the two principalities was less than 250,000 and the medal is relatively rare. A good example.
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