Lippe-Detmold, Principality. A War Merit Cross for Non-Combatants

(Kriegsverdienstkreuz für Nichtkämpfer). Instituted 8 December 1914 by Prince Leopold IV. (1914-1918 issue). Constructed of gilded bronze, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée with pebbled arms, the obverse bearing a central wreathed Lippe rose, the six o’clock arm bearing an institution date of “1914”, the twelve o’clock arm bearing the monogram of Prince Leopold IV, the reverse bearing a raised inscription of “FÜR AUSZEICHNUNG IM KRIEGE” (“FOR DISTINCTION IN WAR”), unmarked, measuring 41.07 mm (w) x 45.30 mm (h), weighing 17.3 grams (inclusive of ribbon), in extremely fine condition.