Kingdom of Württemberg Military Merit Order – Knight’s Cross with War Decoration

This is a Württemberg Military Merit Order (Militärverdienstorden) Knight’s Cross, a distinguished military decoration issued by the Kingdom of Württemberg during the Imperial German era. This example is complete with its original bright red ribbon with gilt edging, indicating award with swords for wartime distinction, even though the swords themselves are not present on this class. The decoration is in the traditional Maltese cross shape, rendered in a matte silvered finish with finely pebbled arms and ball finials at each point.

The obverse features the circular medallion surrounded by the inscription “FÜR MILITÄRVERDIENST” (For Military Merit) with the royal Württemberg crown above and a heraldic sunburst behind the Württemberg arms. The reverse bears the crowned royal cipher “W” for Wilhelm II, surrounded by the Latin inscription “DEZ XXV FEBR MDCCCXLII” (25 February 1842), marking the order's founding date.

This class of the order was typically awarded to junior officers and occasionally senior NCOs for notable acts of bravery or command performance in combat, particularly during World War I. The condition is excellent, with sharp details and minimal wear to the ribbon, which remains vivid and intact.

Dimensions:

• Medal height (without ribbon): approx. 38 mm

• Medal height (with ribbon): approx. 60 mm

• Width: approx. 38 mm

Condition:
Very Fine to Near Excellent. Crisp strike, fully intact with minimal handling wear. The ribbon shows only minor age-related creasing and retains its full gold side borders.

Historical Context:
Instituted by King Wilhelm I in 1850, the Württemberg Military Merit Order was the kingdom’s highest military decoration. This Knight’s Cross variant saw significant distribution during WWI, particularly among officers of Württemberg regiments and those attached to Prussian commands.

Display Suggestions:
An ideal addition to a WWI or Imperial German medal bar, or as a centerpiece for a Württemberg-specific collection. It pairs well with Württemberg Officer’s Pickelhauben or regimental photos.

Note:
This example is believed to be an authentic WWI issue, consistent with other wartime examples based on its construction, ribbon, and lack of post-war embellishments.