Germany, Imperial. A Golden Military Merit Cross, Private Purchase Example, c. 1935 Auction He joined the Imperial Navy

He joined the Imperial Navy in 1887

on a period ribbon

lid sits slightly askew

with a Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) logo and maker code “M4/38” for Richard Sieper & Söhne

Footnote: The medal was first instituted in April 1828 during the reign of Tsar Nicholas I

Germany, Imperial. A Golden Military Merit Cross, Private Purchase Example, c. 1935 Auction He joined the Imperial Navy(Militr Verdienstkreuz). Constructed of gilded bronze, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, consisting of a Cross Patte with ribbed arms, the obverse bearing a central medallion overlaid by a raised inscription of KRIEGS VERDIENST (WAR MERIT), situated above laurel branches, the reverse bearing a central medallion overlaid by a raised monogram of King Wilhelm I, unmarked, measuring 39. 04 mm (w) x 42. 44 mm (h), weighing 11. 5