Germany, Empire. A Pair of First World War Service Decorations ( Iron Cross 1914 / Military Merit Cross)

A pair of First World War service decorations, consisting of:

1. Iron Cross 1914 II. Class. (Eisernes Kreuz 1914 II. Klasse). Re-instituted August 5th, 1914. Constructed of iron and silver, on a swivel loop for suspension from its Third Reich period replacement ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée with a blackened magnetic iron core within a ribbed silver frame, the obverse with a central initial “W”, the six o’clock arm with a reinstitution date of “1914”, the twelve o’clock arm with a royal crown, the reverse with three central oak leaves, the six o’clock arm with an initial institution date of “1813”, the twelve o’clock arm with initials “FW” topped by a royal crown, measuring 42.3 mm (w) x 46.6 mm (l), weighing 17.90 grams. 

2. Mecklenburg-Schwerin Military Merit Cross. (Militärverdienstkreuz). Instituted August 5th, 1848. Constructed of gilded bronze, on a loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée with ribbed and pebbled arms, the obverse bearing the central monogram of Grand Duke Friedrich Franz IV with a Royal Crown on the twelve o’clock arm and “1914” on the six o’clock arm, the reverse inscribed “Für Auszeichnung im Kriege” (For Distinction at War), unmarked, measuring 41.2 mm (w) x 41.1 mm (l), weighing 20.17 grams including its attached ribbon.

A pair of First World War service decorations consisting of an Iron Cross 1914 II. Class and a Mecklenburg-Schwerin Military Merit Cross, in overall better than fine condition.