Lippe-Detmold, Principality. A Silver Merit Cross, c.1915

(Silbernes Verdienstkreuz). A silver Maltese cross with pebbled arms, the cross arms tipped with ball finials, the obverse centre presents the crowned initials PFEL for Paul Friedrich Emil Leopold, circumscribed by the inscription DEN XXV OCTOBER MDCCCLXIX (the foundation date 25 October 1869), the reverse centre presents a crowned Lippische rose, surrounded by the inscription FÜR TREUE UND VERDIENST (FOR FAITH AND MERIT), measuring 41.19 mm (w) x 45.05 mm (h), on loop for suspension from period original ribbon, and in very fine condition.