HISTORY. The Cross of Merit for Women and Girls (Ehrenkreuz für Frauen und Jungfrauen) was created on March 22, 1871 by Kaiser Wilhelm I, German Emperor, in his capacity as King of Prussia. The award was presented only to women, but was not a Ladies Order in the most narrow sense. Women and girls were awarded at the request of Empress Augusta, and the award was bestowed by the Kaiser.

Constructed with completely intact white and black enamels, obverse illustrating a red cross, reverse illustrating the royal crown above the intertwined monograms "A" and "W" (Empress Augusta and Kaiser Wilhelm I), with the dates "1870-1871" below, 33.6 mm, on an original bow-tied ladies ribbon, intact enamels. Excellent++

A17005