What's this for?

[Mike H.]

What was this awarded for? Was there a version with swords? Would it be on a different ribbon if a wartime award? What rank would likely receive it?

Verdienstkreuz des Kgl. Sächsischen Verdienstorden

[Rick Research]

The Saxon ribbons stayed the same, with only the addition of swords to the various grades of Order or Cross themselves (and on the ribbon bar ribbon) to distinguish peacetime from wartime.

The Civil Merit Order Silver Merit Cross was usually the next step up above the Albert Order Silver Merit Cross, but some categories of officials got it instead of the Albert.

Either way, senior sergeants and the equivalent of warrant officers, civil service or military, would have gotten this.

There are several different types, which indicate age of the piece.

[stogieman]

Here's what we're talking about:

Cased, of course!

[stogieman]

And the rare one!

Multi-part construction, swords, correct "string of pearl" grips on the swords. A real one.

[Mike H.]

Thanks for the info.

Wonderful looking pieces, Rick. Thanks!