Germany, Imperial. A Pair of First World War Service Awards

(Auszeichnungen). A pair of First World War service awards, 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 Pattée with pebbled arms trimmed with ribbed borders, the obverse bearing a central monogram of Grand Duke Friedrich Franz IV, the six o’clock arm with an institution date of “1914”, the twelve o’clock arm with a royal crown, the reverse bearing a raised inscription of “FÜR AUSZEICHNUNG IM KRIEGE” (“FOR EXCELLENCE IN WAR”), unmarked, measuring 40.70 mm (w) x 45.00 mm (h), weighing 19.5 grams, in extremely fine condition.

2. A Hamburg Hanseatic Cross, constructed of silvered copper with enamels, consisting of a Cross Pattée, the obverse with red enameled arms, bearing a central red enameled medallion overlaid by a silvered Hamburg coat of arms, the reverse bearing a central raised inscription of “FÜR VERDIENST IM KRIEGE 1914” (“FOR MERIT IN WAR 1914”), topped by an integral loop with dual rings retaining a replacement ribbon, unmarked, measuring 40.28 mm (w) x 44.11 mm (h), weighing 19.5 grams, demonstrating minor flecking to the enamels, in near extremely fine condition.