SMGO-0947 Dutch Expeditionary cross Private purchase in silver with 6 battle bars

From what I understand, these medals were primarily made of German Silver. However, many men opted to buy officially licensed Jewler examples in silver, such as this one. Actual silver versions are quite rare. This one shows some polish compound in the recessed areas. The details are much better on the jeweler made versions and you can notice some differences right away. The battle bars are all German silver. The crown is also silver. The ribbon is incorrect, not sure who, when or why it was added to this. The ribbon seems to be that of a Romanian Long service award.

The Expedition Cross (or Expeditiekruis in Dutch) officially known as the Cross for Important Military Operations (Ereteken voor Belangrijke Krijgsbedrijven) was a military decoration of Kingdom of the Netherlands created by royal decree on 19 February 1869 by King William III.

The cross was awarded for participation in major military operations between 1846 and 1942.

The Expedition Cross Medal Design

The Expedition Cross is a four-armed silver metal cross measuring 39 millimeters (1.5 in) in diameter.

The obverse bears the effigy of King William III in a round center medallion, surrounded by a garter with the inscription VOOR KRIJGSVERRIGTINGEN (for military operations). Between the arms of the cross is a wreath of oak leaves. On each of the four the arms is a “W” monogram. The reverse is plain.