Waldeck, Principality. A Rare Order of Merit, I Class Cross with Swords, c. 1916 Republic of very scarce maker

very scarce maker

with a central Heer-style German national eagle above a crossed bayonet and stick grenade

the reverse with an integrated white wool strap

belly tanks were attached to the wings of the A-20s to increase their range sufficiently so that they could accompany B-25 medium bombers

measuring 15 cm (w) x 20

Waldeck, Principality. A Rare Order of Merit, I Class Cross with Swords, c. 1916 Republic of very scarce maker(Verdienstkreuz I. Klasse mit Schwertern). Instituted 3 July 1857 by Prince Georg Victor. (1915 1918 issue). Constructed of gilded silver with multi coloured enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with white enameled arms and with crossed swords piercing the centrepiece, the obverse overlaid by a central gilded and black enameled starburst, in turn bearing a white enameled medallion with a red enameled Anchor Cross, all situated within a blue enameled