Braunschweig, Duchy. A War Merit Cross I Class certificate_of_authenticity the Venerable Order of St

the Venerable Order of St

He held the rank of Feldwebel (Sergeant) and may have received additional promotions

After a five year absence and with the Second World War in progress

where he was to spend the next month before being discharged on December 11th

Braunschweig, Duchy. A War Merit Cross I Class certificate_of_authenticity the Venerable Order of St(Kriegsverdienstkreuz I. Klasse). Instituted 20 March 1918 by Duke Ernst August. (1918 issue). Constructed of bronze, consisting of a Cross Patte, the obverse bearing a central monogram of Duke Ernst August, flanked by oak leaves, topped by a crown, and situated above a date of 1914, the reverse with a barrel hinge and vertical pinback meeting a round wire catch, unmarked, measuring 40. 36 mm (w) x 40. 55 mm (h), weighing 20. 5 grams, an award piece