Lippe-Detmold, Principality. A War Merit Cross, Pinback Version, Privately-Purchased Example

(Kriegsverdienstkreuz - Steckkreuz). Instituted 8 December 1914 by Prince Leopold IV. (1914-1918 issue). Constructed of gilded silver, consisting of a vaulted Cross Pattée, the obverse with pebbled arms, bearing a central Lippe rose situated within a circular laurel wreath, above an institution date of “1914” and below a monogram of Prince Leopold IV, the reverse with a barrel hinge and tapering vertical pinback meeting a round wire catch, the pinback stamped with a silver content number of “935” and illegible hallmark, measuring 40.31 mm (w) x 40.23 mm (h), weighing 18.8 grams, a privately-purchased example of exceptional quality, in extremely fine condition.