Verdienstkreuz für Frauen und Jungfrauen 1870

[Klaus O.]

Dear Imperialoids,

Finally I got it; after several tries I was able to purchase this beautiful enameled cross, whose quality can't compare the one offered by the other EKs in WWI and WWII. A real gem and to me still a bit undervalued, although lately I saw prices skyrocketing on them. Just a couple of years ago there were sold for 400/500 DEM and now there are to be had for at least USD 1'200.-/1'400.-.

This one I am presenting to you is quite flawless... I know... I had to pay quite a lot...

Ciao,

Claudio

[Klaus O.]

close up of the front

[Klaus O.]

reverse

Reverse... it's just soooo delicate, it's a pleasure for the eyes!

Great juweller's work, I would say; nothing that can be reproduced easely nowadays, IMHO.

Ciao,

Claudio

[Klaus O.]

There was one for sale lately on the Estand. It was a steal. I didn't purchase it, because I already got this from Kube.

Ciao,

Claudio

[stdub]

Oh I love it Claudio

I once had such a nice one too - but I was a fool and sold it for 700 DM some years ago


Joerg

[Klaus O.]

This cross came with a case that it wasn't even included in the description of this Verdienstkreuz. I do not think it's a case for this medal, since the crown doesn't look Prussian, I would say that it may be Bavarian. Does anybody know for which medal could be this case for?

Ciao,

Claudio

[Klaus O.]

A better and large picture of the exquisite design of the reverse.

Ciao,

Claudio

[Klaus O.]

Size comparation EK 1 and Verdienstkreuz

Dear Forumites,

I just wanted to show the difference in size between a Prinzengrösse EK 1. Kl. 1870, the Verdienstkreuz f. Frauen u. Jungfrauen and a EK 1. Kl. 1914 (standart size, marked KO).

Sizes of the Verdienstkreuz: Height 33.53, Width 33.22 mm. Weight with ribbon: 16.9 g (with needle), 16.0 g (without needle). I do not dare to take off the ribbon from the cross in order to weight it, because I am afraid to ruin it (it has been sewn delicately).

Ciao,

Claudio

[JensF.]

Claudio, are the letters on the back single pieces or part of the cross?

[Klaus O.]

Hi Jens,

They look like "engraved" directly in the enamel of the cross or a least very finely painted. Difficult to tell. They are definitely part of the cross and not applied.

Ciao,

Claudio

[Tom Y]

Tiger 1's example on a "swallowtail" ribbon.

[Tom Y]

.........

[Sam]

Beautiful Piece

Hi Claudio,

You have a beautiful piece there. I've always admired these and regret not picking one up when I had the chance. I also agree that they are way undervalued at the moment.
regards,
sam K.

[Brian S]

[Tiger 1]

Thanks Tom for posting for me!

Claudio,

Very nice score! These are getting to be very hard to get without any damage to the enamel. Limited issue, time and attrition make these harder to find as the years go by. your other crosses are very fine also!

Jens,

The letters on the reverse side are part of the silver core that is black glass enameled. When the enamel is struck smooth the letters are flush with the surface. Sometimes if you look very carefully you can see the direction of the final polishing of the glass and metal. The letters are then engraved to accent them and to give them visual depth. This is the same technique used on later PLMs with the gold crown and lettering in the blue enamel and other Imperial decorations. The Mother's Cross during the TR was similarly produced using glass enamels but no enhancing engraving. The Red cross device is also enamelled but is a separate piece that is attached to the core over the black enamel field probably by a concealed rivet.

These crosses are without doubt the finest quality EK style crosses ever produced.

Tony