Kaiserreich Wilhelmskreuz Württemberg für öffentliche Wohlfahrt

In an excellent condition a Württemberg Wilhelmskreuz in bronze 1915 in original box

The Wilhelmskreuz was donated by ordinance on September 13, 1915 by King Wilhelm II. The motivation was to honor people in their home country who have earned services in the field of public welfare through their work or voluntary activity. These could not be awarded the Iron Cross but should still receive recognition. The cross on a ribbon was awarded with and without swords for services in the war. These crosses bear the inscription - war merit - on the back of the medallion. The cross was awarded with swords primarily for services at the front. The higher class as a plug-in cross with crown and swords was only awarded to military personnel who previously held the cross on the ribbon. The crosses were not returnable. The cross shown here without an inscription on the back is referred to as the "anniversary edition". On the occasion of the government anniversary, applications for the award of medals and decorations could be made. Priority should be given to the Wilhelm Cross without an inscription on the reverse. This was regulated by a letter from the State Ministry dated July 31, 1916. The applications received are numbered at 1,700. The certificates for the anniversary edition all bear the date October 5, 1916 and are less ornate. The number of crosses without swords awarded for war merit and public welfare is around 1900 pieces. In 1916/17 crosses in war metal were bronzed and awarded. The number of embossed zinc crosses is 5429. The band ring is flat or round in the case of late crosses.

Dark oxidized bronze cross. The cross arms with a smooth edge are rounded at the ends. The inside finely grained. Front and back with a round medallion. A soldered eyelet with a band ring on the upper cross arm.

Front:

The middle shield is surrounded by a wreath of oak leaves that is tied with a cross at the top and bottom.
In the enclosed field the letter - W - in Gothic script.
On the lower arm of the cross the year - 1915 -.
A crown on the upper arm of the cross.
Back:

The central shield is surrounded by a wreath of oak leaves, tied with a cross at the top and bottom.
The enclosed field without inscription finely grained.
Tape:

yellow 35 mm, black edges 2 mm, side stripes yellow / black 4 mm / 3 mm.

Code: 50463