Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Grand Duchy. A Military Merit Medal in Silver, c.1890

(Verdienstmedaille für Militärverdienst). Instituted 19 March 1885 by Grand Duke Friedrich Franz III. (1885-1918 issue). Constructed of silver, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, the obverse with a rightward-facing profile of Grand Duke Friedrich Franz III, circumscribed by name and title, the reverse with a Mecklenburg coat of arms, circumscribed by dates “19. 3. 1851”, “13. 4. 1883”, and “10 4. 1897”, above an inscription of “PER ASPERA AD ASTERA” (“THROUGH DESTINY TO LIGHT”), unmarked, measuring 30.16 mm in diameter, weighing 11.7 grams (inclusive of ribbon), in better than very fine condition.