WW1 GERMAN PRUSSIAN WAR HELPER SERVICE MEDAL CROSS WAR AID WORK

Description

Offered is an original WW1 German Merit Cross for War Aid (PREUSSEN. Verdienstkreuz für Kriegshilfe).

39mm wide blackened ‘Kriegsmetall’ alloy Maltese cross with loop for ribbon suspension between the upper arms; the face with a circular central medallion bearing the crowned cipher of King Wilhelm II; the reverse with a circular central medallion inscribed ‘FÜR KRIEGS-HILFSDIENST’ (for War Aid Merit) above an oak wreath; on original ribbon.

The Cross was instituted by King Wilhelm II on 5 December 1916 to be awarded as a recognition of outstanding patriotic war aid service, regardless of rank or status. It was suppressed in 1924. A very good example.