Germany, Baden. A Military Karl Friedrich Merit Medal & Bar With Documents 1917

1) An Iron Cross 1914 Second Class, a cross pattée of multi-piece construction with a blackened iron core (magnetic) within a ribbed border, on loop for suspension, the obverse with a raised central “W”, with the re-institution date “1914” in raised numbering on the lower arm, and the royal crown on the upper arm, the reverse with a central oak-leaf branch consisting of three oak leaves, with the original institution date “1813” in raised numbers on the lower arm, a raised Prussian crown on the upper arm, with “FW” in equally raised lettering directly below, measuring 42.40 mm (w) x 42.53 mm (h). Accompanied by its award certificate. The Iron Cross (1914) 2nd Class preliminary award document is named to Sergeant Ullrich of the 4th Company of Infantry Regiment 162. It is dated to December 28, 1916 and signed in black ink by the regiment’s commander, Oberstleutnant (Lieutenant Colonel) Karl von Rettberg (1865–1944). It measures 212 mm x 293mm.

2) A Silver Grade Military Karl Friedrich Merit Order, a round silver medal, the obverse depicting a griffon wielding a sword and a shied, circumscribed “IN BADENS EHRE” (In the honour of Baden), the reverse officially inscribed “DEM TAPFEREN ULLRICH” (The brave Ullrich) within a laurel wreath, on a double loop for suspension, measuring 40.16 mm in diameter. Accompanied by its award certificate. The Baden Silver Military Karl Friedrich Merit Medal award document is named to Vizefeldwebel (Vice Sergeant) Ullrich of the 4th Company of Infantry Regiment 394. It is dated to Karlsruhe on January 16, 1917 and carries the facsimile of Dr. Hugo Freiherr von Babo, head of the Baden Chancellery of Orders. It measures 210 mm x 287 mm.

3) A Lübeck Hanseatic Cross, constructed of silvered bronze, with red enameled arms, the obverse with a center medallion depicting a gilded Lübeck coat of arms, the reverse inscribed in the centre with “FÜR VERDIENST IM KRIEGE 1914” (For merit at war), on loop for suspension, measuring 39.89 mm (w) x 39.97 mm (h). Accompanied by its award certificate. The Lübeck Hanseatic Cross award document is named to Ullrich in the same rank and on the same unit as above. It is dated to February 21, 1917 and carries the facsimile of a city councillor, the name is illegible. It measures 212 mm x 285mm.

4) A Hindenburg Cross, a bronzed metal (magnetic) cross pattée with crossed swords between the arms of the cross, the obverse inscribed with “1914/1918” within an open-ended laurel wreath, the reverse plain; maker marked with an unknown mark on the reverse, measuring 38.23 mm (w) x 37.88 mm (h). Accompanied by its award certificate. The Hindenburg Cross award document is named to Polizeihauptwachtmeister (Police Senior Constable) Ullrich in Lübeck. It is dated to March 7, 1935. It measures 210 mm x 148 mm.

5) A Police 25-Year Long Service Cross, constructed of gilt bronze, with an oval oak wreath and police-style eagle with outstretched wings and a wreathed mobile swastika in its talons, the reverse with a centre inscribed “Für Treue Dienste in der Polizei” (For Loyal Services in the Police), on loop for suspension, measuring 43.10 mm (w) x 43.17 mm (h). Accompanied by its award document. The 25 Year Police Long Service Medal award document is named to Polizei-Hauptwachtmeister (Senior Constable) Melchior Ullrich in Lübeck. It is dated to January 9, 1939 and carries a facsimile of A.H. It measures 211 mm (w) x 296 (h).

6) A Prussian 9-Year Long Service Medal, a round silver medal, the obverse depicting a royal crown, circumscribed by “TREUE DIENSTE BEI DER FAHNE” (Loyal Service by the flag), measuring 31.37 mm in diameter.

8) A War Commemorative Medal 1914/18 of the Kyffhäuser League award document. It is dated to January 18, 1922. It carries the facsimiles of honorary president von Hindenburg, president von Heeringen, and a representative of the board of the regional warrior league Lübeck, Julius Heise. It measures 206 mm x 155 mm.

The medal bar is decorated by period original ribbons, with a zink core, a red wool backer, and a horizontal pinback, measuring 173 mm (w) x 57 mm (h).

A fine grouping of medals attached to their period original medal bar, most of which are accompanied by their award certificates. In overall near extremely fine condition.

Footnote: Only 449 of the Silver Grade Military Karl Friedrich Merit Order were awarded in 1917.