GERMAN WWI IMPERIAL / BRAUNSCHWEIG WAR MERIT CROSS FIRST CLASS - REPLICA

Description

The German Duke of
Braunschweig
(
Brunswick
) established a War Merit Cross –
Kriegsverdiestkreuz
) in 1914.  The medal was awarded to both officers and lower ranks for distinction in war.
In 1918, the First Class version of the award was established.  This was a bronze pin-back medal.The existing medal became the 2
nd
Class grade of the medal.
Like the Prussian Iron Cross first class, the medal was awarded for bravery and was worn on the left breast pocket.  This medal has a flat “bottle-shaped” pin so it must be mounted through loops.
My attractive (vaulted) , well-detailed and fully functional replica has the letters
EA
-
Ernst Augustus – in the center. On the horizontal arms of the cross is a spray of oak leaves. The top arm of the cross bears the
Brunswick
crown.  The lower part of the cross has the date
1914.
Soldiers in
Braunschweig
regiments were eligible to receive the award.  Also eligible were members (like my grandfather) of the Prussian 78th Infantry Regiment "Duke Frederick Wilhelm of
Braunschweig
"