Vierdaagse Cross, minature versions prior to 1977.
These were not presented to walkers, but could be bought separately at the marches. Purchase was not restricted to recipients.
They have been made in two sizes:
Width: 15 mm.
This smaller type is covered on a separate page, see link:
Width: 21 mm.
Width just over 21 mm at the widest point of the cross.
Ribbon numbers for further marches are a smaller version of those worn on the full size crosses.
The principal manufacturer of these medals has been the firm who who produce the full size crosses. This was Koninklijk Begeer prior to 1977 and, since then, W. van Veluw.
Post 1977 Veluw awards are dealt with at
Up to 1958.
These were manufactured by Begeer and bear the initials ‘NBVLO’ and therefore pre-date the grant of the title ‘Royal’ (Koninklijke) in 1958. From 1959 onwards the initials were changed to reflect the new title.
These examples are, from left to right, for one, two (bronze), two (bronze gilt), five, six and eleven marches.
All are made of the same materials as the full size crosses. The five and six year crosses and the gilded eleven year cross are all silver. This is confirmed by the dagger hallmark [†] at the very top of the upper arm on the obverse of each of these crosses.
The wreathed figure on the guilded cross indicates 27 marches. It measures 13mm by 9mm and is of hallmarked silver gilt. Wreathes of this size were also worn on ribbon bars , mounted to the Vierdaagse ribbon.
1959 – 1976.
These bear the lettes ‘KNBLO’, the initials introduced in 1959.
These examples are, from left to right, for two, five and eleven marches.
Again, the five and gilded eleven year cross are silver. The dagger hallmark appears on the back of the five year cross and is on the very top of the upper arm of the eleven year cross. All were made by Begeer.
Prior to 1940 Van Wielik of The Hague also produced and sold medals of the 21mm size.
A newspaper advertisement placed by Van Wielik dating from about 1930.
It advertises a miniature cross for two Guilders, or about 90 euro cents.
The medal measures 22mm at its widest point and is virtually identical to the Begeer version, although the arms of the cross are slightly narrower when they meet the central shield.
The reverse is plain with no makers name or mark.
Medals of the Nijmegen Vierdaagse.
From 1909 to the present day.
