Miniature gilt metal cross pattée with crossed swords between the arms and with scroll and eyelet for ribbon suspension; the face with a circular medallion imposed centrally bearing a gilt-edged white enamel Geneva cross on a red ground within a black enamel ring inscribed in gilt letters ‘FUR KRIEGSH. U VERW. FURS.’ (für Kriegshilfe und Verwundetenfürsorge = for War Aid and Care of the Wounded), stylised gilt laurel leaves at the base; the reverse with oak leaves on the upper and lower arms, the left and right arms inscribed in silver letters ‘WELT’ and ‘KRIEG’ (World War) respectively, a circular central white enamel medallion imposed centrally bearing the gilt dates ‘1914’ and ‘1918’, a gilt line between the two, within a gilt-edged black enamel ring inscribed in gilt letters ‘PREUSS. KRIEGS ERINN. KREUZ.’ (Prussian Commemorative War Cross); diameter 15.4mm (0.6 inch); on replaced ribbon for combatants.
The Cross was established after the end of World War I by the Vereinigung Preußischer Kriegsteilnehmer im Deutschen Kriegerbund, a benevolent organisation for former Prussian combatants, to be awarded to members of the association who were active in war aid and caring for the wounded. Crosses with swords, as here, were awarded to those who served in theatres of war.
Crosses for war aid and care of the wounded welfare are much rarer than those for combatants.
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