Plug-in cross

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The cross slot (also: breast plug Cross or -star ) is a smaller Ordensinsigne lower class that is usually worn on the left chest without ribbon.

The model of the cross was the breast stars of the 1st or 2nd class of the orders from the 18th and early 19th centuries, large embroidered stars made of fabric that were sewn on.

In the 19th century, crosses were only used in Germany : they were enameled medals, usually 4th class, with an eyelet on the smooth lapel for sewing the symbol on the uniform, a needle to attach or a screw with a nut. The only exception here is the Iron Cross , whose higher, 1st class, was a plug-in cross.

Other German crosses were:

In other European countries the crosses were hardly used until 1918. In imperial Russia all regimental badges (over 100) were crosses, but they cannot be regarded as medals. The same applies to the approximately 70 regimental badges of the Polish Army of the 2nd Republic (1918–1939). After 1918 almost all orders of the USSR except the Order of Lenin , Heroes of the Soviet Union , Order of the Red Banner and Orders of Glory were breast decorations with a needle or screw. Almost all of the orders of the socialist states (except Poland) that have been extinguished today were also “plug stars” based on their model .

At the moment, crosses are used by the following European medals (as of 2004):

literature

  • Paul Hieronymussen: Orders, Medals and Decorations of Britain and Europe in Color. Blandford, London 1967.
  • Jörg Nimmergut : Germany, medals and decorations 1800–1945. Nimmergut, Munich 1979.