Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Grand Duchy. A Military Merit Cross, I Class

(Militär-Verdienstkreuz I. Klasse). Instituted 28 February 1915 by Grand Duke Friedrich Franz IV. (1915-1924 issue). Constructed of gilded bronze, consisting of a Cross Pattée, the obverse with pebbled arms and ribbed borders, bearing a central raised monogram of Grand Duke Friedrich Franz IV, the six o’clock arm bearing a date of “1914”, the twelve o’clock arm bearing a royal crown, the reverse with a barrel hinge and tapering banjo-style pinback meeting a round wire catch, unmarked, measuring 41.32 mm (w) x 41.22 mm (h),  weighing 14.2 grams, demonstrating minor loss of gilt finish throughout consisting with proud owner wear, in near extremely fine condition.