Braunschweig, Duchy. A War Merit Cross I Class, c.1925

(Kriegsverdienstkreuz I. Klasse). Instituted 20 March 1918 by Duke Ernst August. (1918 issue; c. 1925 veteran’s reissue). Constructed of bronze, consisting of a Cross Pattée, the obverse bearing a central monogram of Duke Ernst August, flanked by clutches of oak leaves, the six o’clock arm bearing a date of “1914”, the twelve o’clock arm bearing a royal crown, the reverse with a barrel hinge and vertical pinback meeting a round wire catch, unmarked, measuring 39.22 mm (w) x 39.13 mm (h), weighing 17.1 grams, in extremely fine condition.