1848-1849 Germany Imperial Schleswig Holstein Iron Merit Cross Army Rare Medal

(Erinnerungskreuz für die schleswig-holsteinische Armee). A blackened iron cross pattée, the obverse with a circular central medallion bearing the arms of Schleswig (left), being two lions passant and Holstein (right), being a nettle leaf, the left and right arms bearing the dates "1848" and "1849" respectively, the reverse plain, measuring 28mm X 33mm, on loop for suspension from period original blue-white-red ribbon.

In March 1848, the Germans of Schleswig-Holstein staged an armed uprising with the aim of establishing an independent state. The Schleswig-Holstein army consisted at this time of approximately 400 volunteers under Prince von Noer, the garrison of the Fortress of Rendsburg and about 2,500 volunteers from all over Germany who joined the fight against Danish rule. The King of Denmark was Duke of both Duchies and the Danish army intervened.

German states, with Prussia prominent, supported the uprising and war continued for three years with Prussia eventually yielding to pressure from the Great Powers. A superb example of an early, very rare medal. All items are guaranteed genuine!

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