The Reuss (Younger Line) Civil Honor Cross, 1st Class (Reuß j.l., Civil-Ehrenkreuz, 1. Klasse) was instituted by Prince Heinrich LXVII at Schloss Osterstein on 20 October 1857.   The statutes for this award were published on 1 January 1858.  It was awarded for loyal and faithful civil service to the palace, land, and towns to men who had served over 25 years.  A special provision allowed for the award within Reuss for extraordinary service to the  churches, schools, and community irrespective of the time.  The Civil-Ehrenkreuz, 1. Klasse was only award to those who served in a higher leadership capacity - or who were recommended and approved by the Prince's council.  Award of the Civil-Ehrenkreuz, 2. Klasse was not a prerequisite for this award.  Prince Heinrich XX of Reuss replaced this award on 15 September 1858 with the Reuss (Older Line) Civil Honor Cross (Reuß ä.l., Civil Ehrenkreuz).  Note that the confusion with the Reuss Older Line and the Principality of Reuss for this particular Cross is common and the distinction needs to be specified. 

Reuß j.l., Civil-Ehrenkreuz, 1. Klasse

An anomalie with this award exist:   The Civil-Ehrenkreuz, 1. Klasse was awarded in enameled gold and in silver which did not reflect the award status but rather the desires of the Prince.  The white obverse (similar to a stylized Iron Cross) carried the monogram of the Prince (a crown above h with LXVII below) surrounded by a green oak leaf circle.  The white reverse carried the inscription "Für treue Dienste" surrounded by a green oak leaf circle.  The ribbon authorized was described as being completely "amaranth" red (which is close to a violet color).  Original examples of this ribbon are almost extinct and the very few museums that do have an example almost invariably have replacement ribbons.     

A Reuss j.l., Civil-Ehrenkreuz, 1. Klasse is almost never offered on the market since they are typically museum pieces.  Even by 1893, an example of this award was difficult to locate and evidence suggest that some jeweler's copies were made prior to this time.  My best advice is:  Buy one from a specialist dealer who will offer you a 100% guarantee.  There are copies of this medal on the market and an original is somewhat rare and difficult to locate.  For further information on medals, please see my other guides and blog (http://blogs.ebay.com/tsa-li).  Thanks for viewing!