The Australian War Memorial Collection. Test site
Reuss Honour Cross, Third Class with Swords. Unnamed as issued. A silver Maltese Cross with sun rays and crossed swords between the arms. Obverse: The arms of Reuss on a shield surmounted by a crown in silver on a red enamelled disc. Reverse: In the centre the Gothic letter 'H' and a crown on a black enamel disc. The cross is fitted with a loose ring suspender and a piece of 31 mm yellow ribbon which has 3 mm red (inner) and 3 mm black (outer) edge stripes inset by 1 mm.
Prince Heinrich XIV of the Reuss Younger Line founded the Principality Honour Cross on 24 May 1869. When his son Prince Heinrich XXVII was made regent of the Reuss Elder Line in 1902, the Honor Cross was extended to that state as well. From 1902 to 1913, Heinrich XIV awarded the Honour Cross as Prince of the Reuss Younger Line while his son awarded it as regent in the name of Heinrich XXIV of the Reuss Elder Line. In 1913, with Heinrich XIV's death, Heinrich XXVII awarded it for both houses (although in the case of the Reuss Elder Line, still in the name of Heinrich XXIV). The Honour Cross was originally in three classes, but an 1885 amendment to the 1869 statutes added a 4th class, as well as a provision for the 1st Class to be awarded with a crown. Between 1906 and 1909, three further amendments were made: swords were authorised for combat awards; the crown was authorised as a higher distinction for all four classes; and a pinback Officer's Cross was created, ranking between the 1st and 2nd Classes. In April 1918, a provision was made for awards of the Officer's Cross with the year date 1914 on the upper arm of the cross. On 9 January 1915, a war ribbon of yellow with red and black stripes near each edge was authorised. Prior to this, all awards, were on an amaranth ribbon. After this the war ribbon was used for awards with swords and for non-swords awards which were for merit on the homefront in support of the war effort. This medal forms part of a collection assembled by the Memorial in the 1920s for display.
Waldeck-Pyrmont Merit Cross, Fourth Class with Swords. Unnamed as issued. A Maltese cross with swords between the arms. Obverse: A black enamel eight pointed star with a red cross on a white field in
Wurttemberg Order of Friedrich, 5th Class with Swords. A silver cross pattée, with slightly concave ends to the arms, surmounted by crossed swords in silver gilt. Obverse/reverse: In the centre a whit
Wurttemburg Merit Cross with Swords. A silver cross pattée convex with gold swords between the arms. Obverse: A crown over 'W' (Wilhelm) on a central disc. Reverse: 'VERDIENST *' on a central disc. Th
Saxe-Ernestine House Order Knights Cross First Class. A Bath cross, enamelled white, with ball end finials surmounted by a double sided crown. Silver lions passant and crossed swords are fitted betwee
Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach Order of the White Falcon, First Class Knights Cross with Swords. Unnamed as issued. A green enamel Maltese Cross with a red tasseled square pillow showing between the arms and su
Reuss Silver Merit Medal with Swords. Unnamed as issued. Obverse: The monogram 'HR' surmounted by a crown with a beaded edge around the circumference. Reverse: The inscription 'FUR VERDIENST' (For Mer