Hesse-Darmstadt, Grand Duchy. A War Honour Decoration, c. 1938

(Kriegerehrenzeichen in Eisen). Instituted 13 March 1917 by Grand Duke Ernst Ludwig. (1917 issue). Constructed of silvered and blackened bronze, the obverse consisting of a blackened circular laurel leaf wreath, overlaid by a silvered monogram of Grand Duke Ernst Ludwig, topped by a crown and situated above a plaque bearing a number of “25”, the reverse with two visible clips securing the monogram and crown in place, with a barrel hinge and vertical pinback meeting a round wire catch, unmarked but demonstrating the characteristics of a privately-purchased recipient’s replacement piece produced c. 1938, measuring 39.04 mm (w) x 44.68 mm (h), weighing 18.1 grams, a prestigious decoration reflecting exceptional bravery and merit, commonly referred to as the “Iron Ludwig”, in extremely fine condition.