PRUSSIA – CAMPAIGN CROSS 1866 (MAIN ARMY)

This is the 1866 Campaign Cross for Combatants, instituted on 20 September 1866 by King Wilhelm I of Prussia. The cross was awarded to officers, NCOs, and enlisted men of the Prussian Main Army who participated in the Austro-Prussian War (also known as the German War) of 1866.

• Obverse: The bronze cross pattée bears a central medallion with the crowned Prussian eagle standing on a trophy of arms. Around the medallion is a wreath of laurel. The arms are inscribed:
  “DER / MAIN / ARMEE / 1866” (Of the Main Army 1866).

• Reverse: The reverse features the crowned royal cypher “WR” (Wilhelm Rex), surrounded by the inscription “PREUSSENS SIEGREICHEN HEERE” (Prussia’s Victorious Army). The arms are inscribed with the words “GOTT MIT IHM / WAR UNSER / DIE EHRE” (God was with him / Ours was the honor).

• Ribbon: Black with two narrow white edge stripes and yellow edge stripes beyond them. This is the correct ribbon for the 1866 campaign cross for combatants.

Condition: This example shows honest wear with toning to the bronze finish. All details of the eagle and inscriptions remain clear. The ribbon is original and retains good color, with only light fraying toward the suspension.