Germany, Imperial. A Pair of First World War Bravery Decorations

(Auszeichnungen). A pair of First World War bravery decorations, including:

1 A Mecklenburg-Schwerin Military Merit Cross, II Class, constructed of gilded bronze, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattéem the obverse bearing a central monogram of Grand Duke Friedrich Franz IV, the six o’clock arm bearing a date of “1914”, the twelve o’clock arm bearing a royal crown, the reverse bearing an inscription of “FÜR AUSZEICHNUNG IM KRIEG” (“FOR EXCELLENCE IN WAR”), unmarked, measuring 41.10 mm (w) x 45.10 mm (h), weighing 20.4 grams, demonstrating sporadic tarnishing and verdigris and with some distortion of the suspension loop evident, in very fine condition.

2. A Hesse General Honour Decoration, constructed of silver, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, the obverse bearing a raised and leftward-facing profile of Grand Duke Ernst Ludwig, circumscribed by name and title, the reverse bearing a wreathed inscription of “FÜR TAPFERKEIT” (“FOR BRAVERY”), unmarked, measuring 33.15 mm in diameter, weighing 15.5 grams, in near extremely fine condition.