This guide will cover only the Prussian 15-Year Military Long Service Cross (15 Jahre Dienstauszeichnung).  It was instituted in 1913 to replace the Militär Dienstauszeichnung Schnalle 2. Klasse.   It was awarded to military active duty NCO's and enlisted personnel for 15 years active service and required the recommendation of their Commanding Officer.   Awards of this Cross continued until the 3rd Reich introduced a series of new medals.  These are very often found in WWI German medal groups and helps identifying the recipient as a Prussian. 

Originally, only one long service award could be worn, so this Cross could not be worn with any other (as well as any of the Landwehr long service awards).  It's important to remember that the Prussian Landwehr had a similar award which is often confused with this one.   During the 3rd Reich era, the wearing rules were changed which allowed for the wearing of 2 long service awards. 

The 15-Year Long Service Cross was made of a metal similar to a bronzed brass (the exact metal alloy was varied but the finishing techniques left a flat golden color) with a flat ring loop soldered on for the suspension ring (which is often of a dissimilar metal) through which a blue silk woven ribbon (UV-negative, usually 32-35 mm wide) is worn.  The Cross size varied over the years at around 35 mm's and the center was relatively thick at slightly over 2 mm.   Both sides of the Cross have a small double border near the cross edges.  The obverse had the Prussian crown centered within a double circle in the middle of the Cross.   The reverse carried only a XV within a double circle, which represented 15 years.   It is very rarely hallmarked with any type of identifying information.

Much of the data available on this Cross is quite confusing since many confuse the various classes and military vs. Landwehr awards.  Because of this, you can often obtain these awards for very reasonable prices.  In very late 2006, you could expect to pay about €20 to €75 (about $25 to $100, ranging in fair to pristine condition) for an authentic example - the main factor being the seller.  Any other awards or doucumentation will impact the price upwards.  In many ways, this award is very similar to the British Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. 

It is interesting to note that there are currently relatively few copies on the market but the number is increasing since 2006.  This is primarily due to the fact that up until recently, there has been little interest in this award and it has been considered common.  The most common copy utilizes the casting technique with a painted lead type metal.  The crown details are usually the best indicator of a copy but a verified authentic Cross is needed for comparison.  While these Crosses are usually fairly safe to purchase, my best advice remains:  Buy only from a reputable dealer who specializes in Prussian medals.   For your convenience, an index to Prussian medal guides is located at:  http://reviews.ebay.com/Prussian-Medal-Guides-Index_W0QQugidZ10000000002387411.  Please visit my blog (http://blogs.ebay.com/tsa-li) and/or guides for further information.  Thank you for your visit!