Braunschweig, Duchy. A War Merit Cross II Class, c.1915
(Kriegsverdienstkreuz II. Klasse). Instituted 23 October 1914 by Duke Ernst August. (1914-1918 issue). Constructed of bronze, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée, the obverse bearing a central monogram of Duke Ernst August flanked by oak leaves, the six o’clock arm bearing an institution date of “1914”, the twelve o’clock arm bearing a royal crown, the reverse bearing an inscription of “FÜR VERDIENST IM KRIEGE” (“FOR MERIT IN WAR”), unmarked, measuring 29.96 (w) x 34.16 mm (h), weighing 8.5 grams, in extremely fine condition.