A study of the 1870/71 Verdienstkreuz für Frauen und Jungfrauen

[Roglebk]

Also known as the 'Womens and Virgins' or 'Womens and Maidens' cross.

http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Verdien...und_Jungfrauen

The Forum taught me that there are 2 versions, is that correct? Only saw 2 so far and they are:

1. Right in pic. "W" marked for maker Wagner or is it M? Straighter arms than the 2nd version, wider gap between the inner corners and fatter red cross. Doughnutshaped jumpring sits higher in the frame. Best way of telling them apart is the square die flaws that looks similar to the "Juncker Crosshatching" on the inner corners.

2. Left in pic, unmarked. Got wider and more curved arms and gap between inner corners are narrower. Jumpring is lower. Red cross is thinner.

[Roglebk]

W or M mark

The mark is definately engraved, either a W or a M. I lean against W.

[Roglebk]

Square die flaws on the W marked cross

Characteristical square shaped flaws on 3 of the inner corners. There are quite extensive "hairline cracks" in the frames too, this particular cross was stamped late in the dies "life". No use in trying to tell the versions apart by the core details, each individual cross differs because the silver inlays are hand made.

[Roglebk]

Crown on the W-marked

Extremly nice, and small, engraved details on the crown on both crosses.

[Roglebk]

Obverse of the W-marked

Front is actually the less nice side of the cross. "Doughnut" jumpring is a part of the stamped framehalf and not attached, just like on the RK's.

[Roglebk]

Reverse of W-marked

The nicer side, imagine the hard work put into these. The black enamel is like a mirror and very hard to photograph, camera and operator reflects in the surface. Had to get pics from an angle.

[gregM]

Good idea for a thread and Great pictures. These are some of my
favorite Imperial medals. The detail and craftsmanship on these are
simply beautiful.

One note however. There is a 3rd variation. One with the jump
ring soldered on perpendicular to the frame. It also has a different
crown and slightly smaller date. Unfortunately I do not have a picture
that I can post .

[Roglebk]

Thanks Greg, read about the 3rd version somewhere here but must have blocked it out. Jumpring is more like a EKII then but still in the Prinzen size? Anyone got pics?

[gregM]

Jumpring is more like a EKII then but still in the Prinzen size?

That's correct.

[streptile]

Great pieces, photos, and thread. Keep the info coming; unfortunately I've nothing to add.

[Roglebk]

Comparising pic

A very happy LW marked 1914 EKII.

[Roglebk]

Reverse

Mirror mirror on the wall.

[VtwinVince]

Great photos, thanks for starting this thread. I'm still looking for one of these as it is at the top of my wish list.

[Roglebk]

2nd version obverse

Unmarked, no "square flaws" and more pointy inner corners. This one comes close to 34 mm in size, 1st version is 33mm. Should have put a matte black disc on the camera lens to get rid of the reflection.

[Roglebk]

2nd version reverse

My favourite cross, no hairline crack die flaws in the frames and the enamel and inlays are just perfect. Shape reminds a lot of 1939 ones.