Size of Military Max Joseph Order

[Darren]

Hello everyone,

I would like to know the actual demensions of the MMJO, as in the height measured from from top of crown to the bottom of the cross, and the horizontal span of the cross.

Thanks,

Darren

[Tim Tezer]

In the case of the knight's crosses, there are variations in the size depending on the maker and the period of manufacture. Generally width ranges from 30 to 32mm, and height with the crown ranges from about 45mm to 50mm.

Tim

[Darren]

Thank you Tamerlane. I didn't realize that the size would very like that. It is amazing how much smaller the medal was then it's Prussian counterpart, the PLM!

regards,

Darren

[Dave Danner]

For size comparison to the Iron Cross and Military Merit Order:



This particular MMJO is an unnumbered private purchase wearing copy (Privatanfertigung ohne Ringnummer).

Another thing to keep in mind is that as awards were numbered, returned on the recipient's death, and reissued, the period variations in size recur. A World War One recipient might end up with a piece made in the Napoleonic era. I recall seeing one at Ingolstadt even smaller than the one pictured. It had been passed among 4-5 recipients between 1800 and 1918.

[Darren]

Hi Dave,

That's some fascinating stuff! Did this occur with other top awards, such as the Blue Max? This would of course make it that much harder for us collectors to find these rare medals, as the total produced could be far less then the number awarded.



regards,

Darren

[Tim Tezer]

Hi Dave,

That's some fascinating stuff! Did this occur with other top awards, such as the Blue Max? This would of course make it that much harder for us collectors to find these rare medals, as the total produced could be far less then the number awarded.



regards,

Darren

Certain countries and certain awards are returnable to the state upon the death of the recipient, which naturally increases their rarity for collectors. The Bavarians did this with the Max Joseph and some of the other higher orders, but not with the Military Merit Order. The Prussians, I believe, had some requirement that orders were returnable to the state, but it was almost never enforced. After WW1, of course, most recipients could ignore the statutes because the issuing governments were out of business.

Tim

[Darren]

Thanks Tamerlane, Interesting information.

regards,

Darren