Frankfurt, Free City. A Rare 1814 Cross of Honour for Officers of the Line, Type II

(Ehrenkreuz für Offiziere der Linie 1814). Instituted 22 October 1814 by Prince Heinrich XIII of Reuss-Greiz. (1814-1815 issue). Constructed of blackened and gilded bronze, consisting of a Cross Pattée, the obverse bearing a central oval medallion circumscribing an inscription of “DEUTSCHLAND” (“GERMANY”), the three, nine, and twelve o’clock arms bearing the monograms of Emperor Franz I of Austria, Tsar Alexander I of Russia, and King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia, the six o’clock arm bearing a date of “1914”, the reverse bearing a central oval medallion circumscribing the monogram of Prince Heinrich XIII of Reuss-Greiz, the twelve o’clock arm topped by an eyelet and suspension ring, unmarked, measuring 39.26 mm (w) x 44.91 mm (h), weighing 21.0 grams, an exceptionally rare example of a Type II award in extremely fine condition.

Footnote: Instituted by Prince Heinrich XIII of Reuss-Greiz in his capacity as Governor General of Frankfurt, this award, commissioned to Master of the Frankfurt Mint Samuel Tomschütz, recognized the meritorious contributions of Officers of the Line, Landsturm personnel, civil servants, and others who contributed to the campaign of 1814. A rare distinction, it was awarded a total of 143 times between 27 December 1814 and 22 October 1815. The cross offered is a quintessential example of a Type II, released in 1815, which features more pronounced details than the initial run of awards.