Austria – Decoration for Services to the Red Cross, Officer’s Cross with War Decoration (
kr 6,000.00
In stock
Description
Austria – Decoration for Services to the Red Cross, Officer’s Cross with War Decoration (Kriegsdekoration)
(Ehrenzeichen für Verdienste um das Rote Kreuz, Offizierskreuz mit Kriegsdekoration)
Instituted on 17 August 1914 by Emperor Franz Joseph I to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the Geneva Convention and to recognise distinguished service to the Red Cross and humanitarian efforts within the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The Officer’s Cross class was introduced in 1915 during the First World War, expanding the original structure of the order. Awards with War Decoration (Kriegsdekoration) were bestowed for meritorious services rendered under wartime conditions, particularly in military hospitals, medical services, relief organisations, and other humanitarian activities connected with the war effort.
The decoration takes the form of a gilt and enamelled cross with white-bordered red enamel arms, centred by a circular medallion bearing the emblem of the Red Cross. Between the arms is a green enamelled wreath of oak and laurel, denoting the War Decoration. The Officer’s Cross was worn as a breast badge and was awarded to senior Red Cross officials, physicians, administrators, benefactors, and other individuals whose contributions to wartime medical and humanitarian services were considered especially noteworthy.
Presented in its original fitted red case, the lid gilt-stamped “Patriae ac Humanitati 1864–1914 K.D.” (“For the Fatherland and Humanity”), commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of the International Red Cross movement and the Geneva Convention. The interior of the case bears the retailer’s mark “G. A. Scheid, Wien – Budapest”, referring to the renowned Austro-Hungarian jeweller and manufacturer Georg Adam Scheid, a principal supplier of imperial orders and decorations.
The decoration represents one of the most significant humanitarian awards of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy during the First World War, reflecting both military necessity and the extensive charitable and medical efforts undertaken throughout the Empire. Examples retaining their original fitted case are increasingly sought after by collectors of Austro-Hungarian orders, Red Cross decorations, and First World War memorabilia.
