Prussia, Kingdom. A Jerusalem Memorial Cross 1898

(Jerusalem-Erinnerungskreuz). Instituted October 31, 1898. Four-piece construction, Jerusalem Cross base in silver gilt with red enamels, both centrepieces in silver gilt, obverse centrepiece bearing the German Imperial Crown in relief with a flying pendelia above the monogram "WII IR" of Emperor and King Wilhelm II, the background with emanating rays, reverse centrepiece bearing the date "XXXI / X MDCCC / IIC" (October 31, 1898, the date of the inauguration by the Kaiser and Kaiserin of the German Lutheran Church of the Redeemer at Jerusalem and of the institution of the Cross, with a pebbled background, measuring 37.3 mm (w) x 45.7 mm (h), intact enamels, scattered gilt wear evident on both centerpieces, replacement ribbon, near extremely fine.

Footnote: The Jerusalem Commemorative Cross was instituted to commemorate the visit of the Kaiser and Kaiserin to Palestine in 1898. It was awarded to their entourage, guards, representatives of the Church and the crews of S.M. Yacht Hohenzollern, S.M.S. Hela, S.M.S. Hertha and S.M.S. Loreley. Further examples of the Cross were subsequently made privately.