GERMAN WWI IMPERIAL / BRAUNSCHWEIG WAR MERIT CROSS SECOND 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.  This is the Second Class grade of the medal.
Like the Prussian Iron Cross Second Class, the medal was awarded for bravery. It was awarded with a length of 30 mm
blue and gold ribbon.  My medal comes with a six-inch length.
My well-detailed 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.
The reverse of the medal contains the words (in German) "For Service in War."
In addition to native
Braunschweigers
, German soldiers serving in
Braunschweig
regiments were also eligible to receive the award.  Also eligible were members (like my grandfather) of the Prussian 78th Infantry Regiment "Duke Frederick Wilhelm of
Braunschweig.
"
I have all of my paternal grandfather's WWI medals, including this one, mounted in a shadow box.  My replica is very hard to distinguish from my grandfather's original.  This is an excellent reproduction.  You will not be disappointed.