Instituted October 24, 1849. Type II. Military Division. A cross pattee of silver gilt construction, with red and white enamelled arms, the obverse presenting the inscription VER DIENST on a white field surrounded by a red enamel ring, between the arms sit a gilt wreath section with crossed swords piercing the central medallion, the reverse features a single vertical pin assembly with four rivets present to secure the wreath and swords to the obverse, measures 62.6mm (w) x 62.3mm (h), weighs 72.4 grams, small enamel chip to edge of 12 o’clock arm, sword handle at 5 o’clock loose, otherwise a rare decoration in extremely fine condition.
Footnote: The III Class War Decoration is a small laurel wreath without enamel that surrounds the centre medallion. The III Class War Decoration was added to the I Class Cross when the recipient had previously been awarded the III Class Cross (with War Decoration). If the recipient had previously been awarded the III Class Cross (with War Decoration and swords), silver-coloured crossed swords and the III Class War Decoration were added to the I Class Cross. The I Class Cross was only awarded to high-ranking military personnel, such as Generals.