Frederickscross

The Frederickcross (German: "Friedrich Kreuz or Friedrich-Kreuz"), was instituted in 1914 by the ruling Duke of Anhalt Frederick II of Anhalt as a decoration not unlike the Iron Cross for merit in time of war.

There are three versions of the Frederickcross

* A cross of bronze on a green ribbon with red borders for warriors.
* A cross of bronze on a green ribbon with white borders for non-combattons such as priests or doctors.
* A cross as a brooch (in German a "steckkreuz") that was worn without a ribbon [Nimmergut Katalog 2000, No. 81] .

This Cross pattée bore a crown on the upper arm and the date "1914" on the lower arm. In the central medaillon is the monogram of the duke, two intertwined "F"'s. The reverse is flat but the central medaillon bears the text "Für Verdienst" (For Merit")

In 1918 the Anhalt monarchy fell and the decoration was abolished.

William II of Germany and Fieldmarshall Paul von Hindenburg wore this cross.