Württemberg MMO

[Mike H.]

Does anyone have information on this award? What it was awarded for, to, when, etc. Anyone have scans they can post?

I found that it was only awarded about 2200 times, but can't find for what, to whom, etc.

[Daniel Krause]

Hi Mike,

the short answer:

The MMO was the highest bravery Order in Württemberg. Given for extraordinary acts of bravery. In the same high class as the Saxon St.Henry-Order the Bavarian Max-Joseph-Order, the Baden Militär-Karl-Friedrich-Order and the Prussian Pour le Merite.

Rommel for example had the MMO and the Pour le Merite.

Will be back with more information soon.

Best regards

Daniel

[Daniel Krause]

So,

The Order was established in 1759 as "Militär-Karlsorden", reinstituted 1799 as "Militärverdienstorden"
Over the years the look of the Order changed sometimes. It was everytime the highest Württemberg Military Order.

in WW1 were awarded:
- 18 Grand Crosses
- 19 Commanders Crosses
- 2183 Knights Crosses

Best regards

Daniel

[ccj]

http://home.att.net/~david.danner/militaria/states.htm

Try this link. There is a nice example on a medal bar listed on the Württemberg page.
I am a fan of Württemberg.

Charles caudle

[Mike H.]

What kind of career would a soldier have had to earn these?

Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse 1914
Württemberg Militär-Verdienstorden Ritterkreuz
Orden der Württembergischen Krone Ritterkreuz
Württemberg Dienstauszeichnung für 25 Jahre
Wilhelmskreuz mit Schwertern
Preußen Kronen Orden 3. Klasse
Preußen Roter Adler Orden 4. Klasse
Bayern Militär Verdienst Orden 3. Klasse mit Krone
Monaco Orden des Hlg. Karl Ritterkreuz (Gold)
Reuß Kreuz 2. Klasse (Gold)
Württemberg Silberne Hochzeitsmedaille
Centenarmedaille
Südwest-Afrika Medaille

[stogieman]

The Wurttemburg MMO

Ritterkreuz, ca. 1916-1918, obverse:
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[stogieman]

And the reverse:

Backside, this one was silver gilt and flawless! Now in a private collection in Arizona.

[stogieman]

Simple,

elegant and a very, very beautiful award. These seem to hover in the $700-800 range right now, making them a bargain compared to the St. Henry, Karl-Friedrich or Max-Josef ritterkreuzes

[Daniel Krause]

Hi Mike,

about what are You speaking?

a medal bar? a ribbon bar? a miniature chain? a group of documents? Do You have something in that combination You mentioned? Show us!!!

From that combination I would say it is definetly a Württemberg officer who joined the Army before 1897, he served in connection with the Southwest-Africa campaign (I would assume the medal is in steel) Before WW1 he was probably LtCol. I assume, in WW1 he served as Regimental or Brigade commander maybe got bumped up to full Colonel. I would not think he made General in WW1.

The whole combination give a good chance to identify him. His peacetime awards and the foreign peacetime awards (Bavaria, Reuß, Monaco) should make him traceable. I have my 1913 Ranklist not here, maybe Rick Lundström can help.

Best regards

Daniel

[Mike H.]

Spiess,

I sent you an e-mail.