Prussia, Kingdom. A Golden Military Merit Cross, Miniature Boutonniere Version by J. Godet & Sohn, c. 1917

(Goldenes Militär-Verdienstkreuz, Miniatur). Instituted 27 February 1864 by King Wilhelm I. (1864-1918 issue). Constructed of gilded bronze, consisting of a Cross Pattée with ribbed arms, the obverse bearing a central raised inscription of “KRIEGS-VERDIENST” (“WAR MERIT”), situated above laurel branches, the reverse bearing a central raised monogram of King Wilhelm I (later Kaiser Wilhelm I), the twelve o’clock arm topped by an integral loop and suspension ring retaining a period original bow tie-style ribbon, in turn looped through a gilded bronze boutonniere, the reverse bearing a maker’s mark of “J. GODET & SOHN, BERLIN”, the award measuring 15.11 mm (w) x 17.46 mm (h), a fine-quality miniature version demonstrating the characteristics of wartime (c. 1917) production in extremely fine condition.