Hesse, Grand Duchy. A General Merit Medal, By Johann Adam Ries Hold 108 mm x 200 mm

108 mm x 200 mm

typical cross issued during 1916-1918 period

which condemned captured prisoners and ensured a high level of brutality by German soldiers against Soviet civilians

therefore likely sent home by Pilot Heinz to sister at Christmas 1916

suspension arch marked “F

Hesse, Grand Duchy. A General Merit Medal, By Johann Adam Ries Hold 108 mm x 200 mm(Allgemeines Ehrenzeichen fr Verdienste). Instituted 8 June 1889 by Grand Duke Ernst Ludwig IV. (1889 1894 issue). Constructed of silver, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, the obverse with a rightward facing profile of Grand Duke Ernst Ludwig IV, circumscribed by name and title, the reverse with a central inscription of FR VERDIENSTE (FOR MERIT), within a laurel and oak wreath, the obverse with a makers mark of J. RIES for the