Hesse, Grand Duchy. A Military Merit Cross 1870/71 Auction Archive on a blue enameled pentagon-shaped

on a blue enameled pentagon-shaped base

with a smaller shield below bearing a cross framed by hash marks

the monk in this case is a self-explanatory symbol (canting arms) who represents the city of Munich

Balevski created a method of casting under pressure for light metal alloys in which

maker marked on reverse “Briquet Setr

Hesse, Grand Duchy. A Military Merit Cross 1870/71 Auction Archive on a blue enameled pentagon-shaped(Militr Verdienstkreuz 1870 71). Instituted 12 September 1870 by Grand Duke Ludwig III. (1870 1885 issue). Constructed of gilded bronze, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Patte, the obverse with a central monogram of Ludwig III, the arms with an inscription of GOTT, EHRE, VATERLAND (GOD, HONOUR, FATHERLAND), the reverse with a central monogram of Ludwig III, the arms with an inscription of DEN 12. SEPTEMBER