German States, Prus. Kingdom, Original Commemorative Cross Main Army 1866

Description

German States,  Kingdom of Prussia
The Commemorative Cross Main Army 1866
(Erinnerungskreuz Main Armee 1866)
.
Commemorative Cross Main Army was instituted on September 20, 1866 by the King of Prussia Wilhelm I
and was awarded to Prussian officers, NCOs and other ranks as well as to military officials
following the Prussian victory in the Austro-Prussian War (June 17 – July 26, 1866).
Four different crosses were instituted to commemorate “1866 victorious campaign”.
The cross offered in this auction was awarded to the soldiers of Main Army,
fighting in Thuringia and Southern Germany.
The Commemorative cross has a shape of a cross pattée with a round medallion
superimposed on its centre and a round wreath between its arms.
A central medallion on its obverse has an image of a crowned Prussian eagle leaning against
a captured Austrian cannon. Round wreath is made of laurel leaves. Arms of a cross
bears an inscription: “Der Main Armee 1866”.
A central medallion on its reverse has a crowned cipher of the Prussian king Wilhelm I
(“WR”, standing for “Wilhelm Rex”) circumscribed “Victorious Army of Prussia”
(Preussens siegreichem Heere)
in capital letters. Upper arm of a cross bears an image
of a Prussian crown while left, right and lower ones have a legend
“God was with us, to Him be the Glory”
(Gott war mit uns Ihm sei die Ehre)
.
Award made from captured Austrian cannons. Diameter ca 34,5 mm.
Heavily worn condition, as seen on photos.
Comes with a piece of modern reproduction ribbon (UV NEGATIVE).
100% original piece.
Worldwide shipping as 1st class registered letter for
.00.
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