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**John Skandalis** · 05-29-2003, 11:25 PM

This is the Prussian Long Service Cross for 25 years of service for officers.

**indyarchie** · 05-29-2003, 11:37 PM

Thanks, John. That was my guess at the type of medal. Any idea which Kaiser the cypher is for?

**AOK4** · 05-30-2003, 12:01 AM

FW III refers to Friedrich Wilhelm III.

Jan

**indyarchie** · 05-30-2003, 09:13 AM

Oh, wow! Thanks, Jan. I thought I was looking 3 leters instead of 2. These gothic letters are so difficult to read.

Does any one know what era FW III ruled? I assume that this cross was awarded during his time. That would help me pinpoint the age of the medal.

Thanks again all.

Archie

**Vadim K** · 05-30-2003, 09:48 AM

He ruled Prussia 1797 to 1840. This cross was established during his reign but it was awarded as late as WW1. If I remember correctly, there were 2 types of this cross, yours is the later type, awarded from around 1870s and on.

**indyarchie** · 05-30-2003, 10:07 AM

Great info Vadim, thanks. I guess I was thinking that maybe the cypher changed every time there was a new ruler. Guess I'm thinking too much. So, this cypher remained on the service cross for it's duration?

Thanks,
Archie

**Vadim K** · 05-30-2003, 11:25 AM

Yup, the FW just stayed. Also, FW III was the Kaiser who originally instituted the Iron Cross in 1813 (they kept the FW on the 1870 and 1914 Iron Cross, just moved it to the reverse).

**Daniel Krause** · 05-30-2003, 02:22 PM

Ähemm..... FW III was KING of Prussia, not Kaiser. First German Kaiser AND King of Prussia was his son Wilhelm I. from 1871 to 1888.

Best regards

Daniel

**John Harman** · 05-30-2003, 03:00 PM

I think there were actually 4 variations on this cross, but 2 main designs as Vadim mentions. All were gilded bronze. The first variation had smooth arms and a 3-ring suspension system, not unlike the typical Hanseatic crosses. The other variation had just the 2-ring suspension and smooth arms. The later type, like yours, had pebbled arms and 2-ring suspension. The earlier version of this type(I suppose 1870 era) was 36mm; the later version is 38mm. The 36mm is a bit harder to find. Hope this helps!

**indyarchie** · 05-30-2003, 09:04 PM

Got Caught

Thanks Daniel and John...

I knew some one would catch the incorrect title of kaiser that I used. As soon as I sent that post I realized I was wrong....was hoping no one would notice. You guys are just all too knowledgable and full of information here.

Thanks for all the additional details John.

Archie

**Vadim K** · 05-31-2003, 02:45 PM

yeah, yeah, of course its King not Kaiser, I was just typing on auto-pilot. In any case, its a very nice-looking award. I'll post a picture of mine on a medal bar if I can find it on my computer.

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