Unknown cross

[aurichnet]

Hello,
I bought it at militaria321.com , bud the seller and I dont know somethink about this cross. Who can help?

<a href="http://www.bilder-hochladen.net/files/osu-6a-jpg-nb.html"><img src="http://www.bilder-hochladen.net/files/osu-6a.jpg" alt="Bilder Upload"></a>

[Don D.]

Can we see the other side? It might be a LS award from one of the German States.

[sabertasche]

Austrian 8 Year LS?

[aurichnet]

..

The backside is blank!

[Dave Danner]

Austrian 8 Year LS?

And an old one at that. The enlisted men's 8-year's LS only was in use from 1849 to 1867.

[Noor]

Very nice cross! May I ask how much it was?

[aurichnet]

....

Hallo,
do I corect understand. An Austrian Service Cross for 8 years, very old?
I've payed for it 15 Euro, because no one did know that cross. I have the ribbon, too. Is it more worth then 15.-Euro?

[Dave Danner]

The Empire of Austria used the Militärdienstzeichen I. Klasse für Unteroffiziere und Mannschaften (VIII Jahre) from 1849 to 1867. The Militärdienstzeichen II. Klasse für was for 16 years (XVI).

In 1867, these were changed to 12 years (XII) and 18 years (XVIII), and then in 1869 to 12 years (XII) and 24 years (XXIV). In 1890, the classes were renumbered: I. Klasse was 24 years and II. Klasse was 12 years. In 1911, they went to three classes: 1. Klasse (XXIV), 2. Klasse (XII) and 3. Klasse (VI). In 1913, the enlisted men's crosses were changed to XX, X and VI years.

So 1849 to 1867 was the only period there was an 8 (VIII) year version.

Yes, it is worth more than 15 euros.

[aurichnet]

...

Hello,
thank you very much, very interesting to know. I collect only German militaria, so I have to change it! Does someone know, what is it worth? You can mail to do17@gmx.de , too.